Gerald R. Woodard, 58, dies while helping at crash site after pickup truck hits NMDOT truck on State Route 209 near Clovis, New Mexico

Modified Date: 
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 10:26am
Accident Date: 
Thursday, March 30, 2023

New Mexico Department of Transportation Worker Fatally Struck by a Vehicle in Curry County

For reasons still under investigation, a 2014 Dodge Ram driven by a 69-year-old man failed to follow the traffic pattern and collided with a 2020 NMDOT Ford pickup. Woodard was in the bed area of the truck at the time of the collision and suffered fatal injuries.

Dept. of Transportation employee killed by driver while doing traffic control near Clovis

Officer Ray Wilson, a New Mexico State Police spokesman, said 58-year-old Gerald Woodard was pronounced dead at the scene and the 69-year-old driver who killed him was airlifted to a Lubbock, Texas, hospital in critical condition.

NMDOT worker hit and killed by vehicle while providing traffic control

State police say the initial investigation says Woodard was providing traffic control using cones, NMDOT trucks with flashing emergency lights and flags.

Highway worker dies after being struck by vehicle

Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash, and seat belts were not properly used, the news release stated. The crash remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.

New Mexico Department Of Transportation Worker Fatally Struck By Vehicle In Curry County

“The loss of Gerald is a tragic reminder of the dangers that our transportation workers face every day, and our hearts go out to his family. We remind drivers to always be aware of their surroundings, obey traffic laws, and never drive distracted or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Gerald R. Woodard
Roadway: 
State Route 209
City: 
Clovis, NM