Friday, October 09, 2009 at 9:44 a.m.
Read more: Local, State, Raton, Henderson, Colorado, Fatal Crash, Infant Son, Department of Public Safety
RATON, N.M. (AP) -- Weather apparently played a part in a fatal crash Thursday afternoon near Raton that claimed the life of a Colorado man and his infant son.
New Mexico Department of Public Safety identified the victims as 26-year-old Victor H. Ruiz-Esparza and 10-month-old Andres Ruiz-Esparza of Henderson, Colo.
State police officers said Ruiz-Esparza and his family were traveling southbound on Interstate 25 when he lost control of his 2004 Mazda car on the snow and slush covered roadway after a brief snowstorm.
Investigators said the vehicle slid off the interstate and rolled onto an outcropping of boulders.
Ruiz-Esparza was pronounced dead at the scene by the medical investigator.
The infant later died at Minors Colfax Medical Center in Raton.
A 2-year-old and a 23-year-old woman were also transported by ambulance to Raton and were listed in critical condition.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
