Update: Motorcyclist Killed In Upper Valley Collision Identified

El Paso Police have identified the motorcyclist killed in a traffic collision on Monday as Alfonso Ortegon, 50, of the 2800 block of Penwood.

Police said Ortegon was riding his 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on Doniphan at 12:15 p.m. Monday. At the same time, Maria Chavez was driving a 1998 green Ford Explorer west on Graphite and had stopped at the intersection with Doniphan.

Police said Chavez failed to yield the right of way when she entered into Doniphan, attempting to make a turn south onto Doniphan. The front of the explorer struck the right side of the motorcycle. The force of the collision caused the motorcycle to cross the south bound lanes.

Ortegon was transported to University Medical Center (UMC) where he died from his injuries. There were no injuries to the individuals in the Ford Explorer. Ortegon was not wearing a helmet. Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this collision, according to police.

El Paso Police spokesman Mike Baranyay said the traffic fatality rate in the city is alarming.

“The traffic (fatality) rate far surpasses the murder rate. For whatever reason it’s accepted. It’s not accepted. It’s not acceptable to law enforcement and acceptable to the community.”

Baranyay reminded remind motorists to drive with caution and to buckle-up, and wear a helmets if you are using a motorcyle.

Doniphan was closed on both directions for serveral hours, until the scene was cleared, from Mesa Street to Thorn Avenue. Doniphan was re-opened at 6:00 p.m.

This is the 62nd traffic fatality this year as compared to 65 at this time in 2009 and the 10th motorcycle fatality compared to 12 during this same time period last year.