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Aztec man, 2-year-old die in crash on U.S. Highway 491

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An Aztec man and his 2-year-old passenger died in a Oct. 19 crash on Highway 491 near mile marker 34.

New Mexico State Police say Charles Lane, 64, was driving a white, Dodge pickup northbound on U.S. Highway 491 near Buffalo Springs in McKinley County when his vehicle left the roadway and “crashed into the rear” of a commercial vehicle that was parked on the shoulder.

The commercial vehicle was having mechanical issues, state police said.

The 2-year-old passenger in Lane’s truck died at the scene, state police said.

Lane was taken to a hospital in Albuquerque, where he died, according to police.

Two occupants in the commercial vehicle were not injured, state police said.

“Alcohol does not appear to be a factor,” a news release said. The crash remains under investigation.