Fatal Accident Claims One Life

By John Larson

MAGDALENA – An accident on Highway 60 west of Magdalena claimed the life of an Arizona woman Tuesday, Oct. 5. The male driver and a two year-old infant received injuries and were transported to Socorro General Hospital, where they are listed in stable condition as of press time Wednesday.
Marshal Larry Cearley said he got the call at 6:44 p.m. and responded with Deputy Terry Flannigan to mile marker 106, in the area of Ten Mile Hill.
“We got there first and called for extrication equipment. An EMT from Datil, and a doctor happened to be passing by and helped until Socorro EMS arrived,” Cearley said. “State Police officers  then took over and we assisted with traffic control. The accident blocked the highway.”
He said Magdalena EMTs were in Socorro at the time on a separate transport, and retuned to Magdalena as soon as they could.
According to Lt. Eric Garcia of the New Mexico State Police, Kenneth Ward, 70, of Holbrook, Ariz., was eastbound in a GMC pickup pulling a trailer filled with scrap metal and furniture.
“The driver misjudged the hill and the trailer started to fishtail. He over corrected and lost control,” Garcia said. “He entered a right hand skid. The momentum of the trailer caused the pickup to roll over approximately three times, landing on the driver’s side door. During the rolling the passenger was partially ejected.”
He said the passenger, Virginia Ward, 67, suffered head trauma and was pronounced at the scene.
The third occupant, 2 year-old Jessica Biefeldt, the Holbrooks’ great-grandchild, was transported along with Kenneth Ward to Socorro General Hospital.
The toddler was secured in a child’s seat, and both adults were wearing seatbelts.

Fatal Accident Claims One Life