Portales Police Department Press Release
PORTALES, NM – On March 31, 2026, at approximately 5:06 PM (1706 hours), officers with the
Portales Police Department responded to a report of a multi-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle
and a commercial truck tractor with a semi-trailer located at the intersection of US 70 and East
Spruce Street.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered a motor vehicle crash involving the motorcycle and
truck and trailer. Upon arrival EMS personnel determined that the single occupant of the motorcycle
was deceased and upon arrival of the Office of the Medical Investigator representative the rider was
determined to be deceased.
The deceased has been identified as Woodrow Wyatt Nease, a 29-year-old male resident of Clovis,
New Mexico.
The Portales Police Department conducted an investigation and preliminary findings indicate that
the motorcycle rider was traveling at a speed more than the posted speed limit prior to the collision.
Traffic at the intersection of US 70 and East Spruce was diverted for several hours while investigators
processed the scene. The roadway has since been fully reopened.
The Portales Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the
victim during this difficult time.
42427 US 70
Portales, NM 88130
Press Release
