The Lea County community is grieving after a violent two-vehicle collision claimed the life of a Lovington resident over the weekend. The crash occurred on Saturday, November 29, 2025, shortly after 6:30 p.m., along a dark stretch of New Mexico Highway 83 near South Ponderosa Lane, where first responders found a chaotic and heartbreaking scene.
Deputies with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office arrived to discover a black 2004 Ford F-250 positioned across both the eastbound and westbound lanes. The truck showed severe front-end damage, the kind seen in forceful head-on impacts. Scattered debris and skid marks stretched across the roadway, indicating the intensity of the crash and the suddenness with which it unfolded.
A second vehicle, a black 2015 GMC Yukon, was found several yards away in the north-side bar ditch, disabled and facing south. The Yukon also suffered catastrophic front-end damage. Deputies and emergency medical personnel immediately assessed the driver, who was the sole occupant in the SUV. Sadly, the driver—identified as 45-year-old Domingo Chavarria Jr. of Lovington—had suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene despite urgent efforts to save him.
Word of Chavarria’s passing has sent shockwaves through Lovington, where he was known as a dedicated family man and a supportive friend to many. Neighbors and coworkers describe him as someone who always offered a helping hand and carried a quiet strength that made an impact on those around him. His loss has left a deep void in the community, especially for loved ones now faced with an unimaginable grief.
Traffic investigators with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office have taken over the case and are working to determine how the head-on collision occurred. Their ongoing process includes examining vehicle positions, roadway evidence, and any potential contributing factors such as speed, visibility, and driver behavior. No details have yet been released regarding the driver of the Ford F-250 or the events leading up to the crash.
As the investigation continues, the community of Lovington is uniting in support of Chavarria’s family, offering condolences and prayers as they navigate this tragic loss. The heartbreaking crash on Highway 83 stands as a solemn reminder of how quickly lives can change and how deeply a single moment on the road can affect an entire community.
