Lea County- On Monday, September 17, 2012 at approximately 9:30 P.M., Officers from the New Mexico State Police responded to the scene of a three vehicle crash on Marland Blvd. West and South Cochran Street in Hobbs, NM. The crash involved a blue 1997 Mazda compact vehicle, driven by 38 year old Daniel Plumlee, of Hobbs, NM, a red 2008 Nissan pickup driven by 58 year old Leonard Botello, of Hobbs, NM and a beige 2003 Ford passenger car driven by 43 year old John Flanigan, of Albuquerque, NM.

Initial investigation determined that Donald Plumlee and his 38 year old passenger Dawn Gwynne were involved in a hit and run crash with a motorcycle in the city limits of Hobbs, NM. Shortly thereafter officers from the Hobbs Police Department observed the blue 1997 Mazda compact vehicle and Donald Plumlee attempting to elude Law Enforcement within the city limits of Hobbs, NM.

Donald Plumlee ran a stop sign at the intersection of Marland Blvd West and South Cochran Street and his vehicle was struck by the red 2008 Nissan pickup driven by 58 year old Leonard Botello and his 54 year old passenger Margarita Botello. The blue 1997 Mazda compact vehicle then struck the beige 2003 Ford passenger car driven by 43 year old John Flanigan.

The two occupants of the red Nissan pickup were uninjured. The injured were transported to Lea Regional Hospital in Hobbs, NM and then were all airlifted to the Medical Center in Lubbock, TX. Donald Plumlee and John Flanigan were treated and released the following day, but Dawn Gwynne was admitted and was listed in serious condition.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at approximately 1:25 P.M., Dawn Gwynne succumbed to her injuries.

Speed, driver inattention and failing to yield to a police vehicle are contributing factors in this crash. Seatbelts were used and the investigation is ongoing.

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Contact: Lieutenant Robert McDonald
nmsp.pio@state.nm.us