Samantha Bursum Killed in Ward County Two-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 20

Ward County, Texas – According to the Texas DPS, a 14-year-old Las Cruces Public Schools student was killed, and two other people were injured Friday night in a two-vehicle crash in Ward County.

The fatal crash happened around 9:32 p.m., March 1, on eastbound Interstate 20.

DPS said 25-year-old Isaac Mendoza of Pecos, Texas, was driving a 2008 Cadillac CTS with no lights and was disabled in the roadway due to a previous crash, blocking both lanes of eastbound I-10.

50-year-old Loreta Keleher Willis, from Las Cruces, New Mexico was driving a 2016 Toyota SUV, did not see Mendoza, and crashed into the Cadillac.

The 14-year-old, who was a passenger in the SUV, was taken to Ward Memorial Hospital where she later died. She has been identified as Samantha Bursum. She was traveling to a volleyball tournament in Midland.

Mendoza and Willis were taken to Ward Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, pedestrian, 18-wheeler, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign, or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

To speak with an attorney Click to call: 281-943-5555.