California man killed on I-40

A California man died in a two vehicle crash Friday morning on Interstate 40 about eight miles east of Tucumcari, according to state police.

At 1:19 a.m., New Mexico State police said officers responded about 1:19 a.m. Jesse Barnes, 72, of San Miguel, Calif., was pronounced dead at the scene, said Lt. Lance Bateman.

Bateman said Barnes was westbound in a 2006 GMC pickup in the outside lane when a westbound tractor-trailer truck collided with the back of the pickup. Bateman said the impact caused Barnes to lose control of his vehicle.

Bateman said Barnes vehicle left the highway and rolled numerous times. He said Barnes, who was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Bateman said an investigation is continuing and declined to release the identity of the truck driver.