Woman Seriously Hurt In Crash Dies At Hospital

A 22-year-old woman who was seriously injured in an early-morning collision has died, police said

Rejean Vela was a driving black 2004 Nissan Versa east on the 10200 block of Montana Avenue when she was rear-ended by a 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by 24-year-old Christopher Ruiz, police said.

Vela, who suffered serious injuries in the collision, was taken to Del Sol Medical Center where she died Wednesday afternoon.

Vela, who lives in El Paso County, had two passengers in her car. They were treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Investigators said Ruiz likely was speeding and that alcohol is a factor in this crash.

Ruiz, of the 6300 block of Lilac Drive, was initially arrested on suspicion of intoxicated assault. Because Vela died, the charges against Ruiz are subject to change. Ruiz was booked into the El Paso County Jail, with bond was set at $25,000. This investigation continues.

According to a Clint Independent School District board agenda, a student named Rejean Vela graduated from Mountain View High School in 2007. The agenda showed that she passed the TAKS test and would get a diploma from the board.