Vinton Fatal Identity released

El Paso County Sheriff's Office

3850 Justice Rd., El Paso, Texas 79938

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Rick Glancey/Public Affairs Director

(915) 538-2217

Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5290)

EMAIL: rglancey@epcounty.com

Release Date & Time: Sunday, March 02, 2008 10:30 PM

WHO: El Paso County Sheriff's Office (Special Traffic Investigators/S.T.I.).

WHAT: Fatality.

WHERE: Interstate 10 East at E. Vinton, West El Paso County, Texas.

WHEN: Friday, February 29, 2008 at 11:55 AM.

WHY: Under investigation.

FYI: Preliminary report: The female driver of a white 1999 Chevrolet Blazer bearing New Mexico registration was traveling southbound on the inside lane of Interstate 10 East at mile marker 2. For unknown reason the driver lost control of the vehicle, The driver overcorrected to the right then veered to the left, striking a guardrail with its left side.

The Blazer continued to travel onto the median and on its side, rolled and landed on its top. The vehicle continued to slide on its top for approximately 40 feet. During the vehicle’s roll the 68 year old driver was ejected and landed on the median, approximately 73 feet south from where the vehicle landed on its top.

The driver was transported to R.E. Thomason General Hospital with serious injuries to her body and head. The driver was pronounced dead later that day.  She is identified as Magdalena Perez of the 12000 block Sharon Q, Las Cruces, New Mexico. A final autopsy report is pending.

Speed and not being secured by a safety belt are the possible contributing factors for the accident. The investigation continues. No other information is being released at this time.