ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An Odessa, Texas, pastor and his wife were killed and their three young children injured in a head-on crash in southeastern New Mexico Thursday, according to New Mexico State Police.
Otis Kent “Kenny” Comstock, 35, and Melissa Nicole Comstock, 34, died in the crash that happened on U.S. 380 west of Tatum around 8 p.m. Thursday. Their three children were injured in taken to area hospitals.
Crossroads Church of Odessa told its congregation of the crash in a Friday Facebook post.
“There is no easy way to deliver news like this. Executive Pastor Kenny Comstock, his wife Melissa, and their three children Natalie (6), Camden (4), and Carver (1), were in a multi-vehicle accident in the state of New Mexico. I am broken-hearted to inform you that Kenny and Melissa did not survive the accident,” the post reads. “Their children Natalie and Carver, both survived with some scrapes and bruises. Camden, sustained head injuries, underwent surgery, and is expected to make a full recovery.”
According to the State Police news release, a Mercedes driven by a 47-year-old man from Albuquerque was headed east on U.S. 380 when, for reasons still under investigation, the Mercedes crossed the center line and drove head on into a westbound Ford truck driven by Kenny Comstock and occupied by his family.
“Mr. Comstock was pronounced deceased on scene and Mrs. Comstock was pronounced deceased at an area hospital by the Office of the Medical Investigator,” State Police said.
The driver and only occupant of the other vehicle was also taken to an area hospital. His condition was not known.
Per policy, State Police said it does not release the identities of surviving victims or those who have not yet been charged with a crime.
State Police said alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash and that seat belts were properly used by the Comstock family.
The case remains under investigation by State Police.
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