Cortez Man Dies after Suspected DUI Crash North of Shiprock

A fatal collision on U.S. Highway 491 near milepost 95 claimed the life of a Cortez man on the afternoon of December 22, 2025, and resulted in the arrest of a Gilbert, Arizona resident. Investigators say the crash occurred at about 4:56 p.m. when a 2015 GMC pickup attempted to pass a commercial vehicle, crossed the center line and struck a yellow Hyundai Veloster head on. The Veloster driver, identified as Richard Morales of Cortez, died at the scene. Morales worked as a nursing supervisor at Northern Navajo Medical Center.

The pickup driver, identified as 49 year old Casey Wade Russell of Gilbert, was booked into the San Juan County Detention Center and charged with second degree felony homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence. The criminal complaint filed by investigators reports that officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on Russell and observed bloodshot, watery eyes. Russell consented to a blood draw during the investigation.

Magistrate Mark Hawkins ordered Russell released on his own recognizance and scheduled a preliminary hearing for December 30. The charge of second degree felony homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence carries serious criminal exposure, and the preliminary hearing will determine whether enough evidence exists to move the case forward.

The collision and loss of a local healthcare supervisor have immediate implications for the community. The death removes an experienced staff member from a regional medical center during a time when healthcare staffing is often stretched. The crash location on U.S. Highway 491 is a primary route for local and commercial traffic, underscoring risks of passing maneuvers on two lane stretches and the ongoing public safety challenge of impaired driving.

San Juan County law enforcement and public safety officials may face renewed attention from residents seeking stronger DUI enforcement and highway safety measures. The upcoming preliminary hearing will be a key moment for prosecutors and the community to assess the evidence and for affected family members to seek answers about the circumstances that led to this fatal crash.