On November 29th at 2:30 pm, Mark Alan Rasmussen, 62, was mortally injured in a collision with a Dodge Charger at the intersection of Dyer Street and Deer Avenue in the Parkland area. Rasmussen was riding a 2007 Honda Shadow motorcycle southbound on Dyer, while Vyky Leilani Morgan, 28, a Northeast resident, was driving a 2013 Charger northbound. The Charger turned left in front of the motorcycle, resulting in the collision at the intersection.
After the collision, Rasmussen was taken to a hospital where he later died. This tragic event has had a significant impact on the community and has led to a closer examination of traffic safety measures.
This year, there have been 63 traffic-related deaths in El Paso compared to 75 at the same time in 2023. A police spokesman explained that the statistics have been adjusted after the 57th traffic death was deemed a suicide and is no longer counted as a fatality. This adjustment highlights the importance of accurate data in understanding the true extent of traffic-related deaths in the area.
The incident on October 30th, when a 45-year-old woman was hit by several vehicles while running into traffic on Interstate 10 near Piedras Street, also contributed to the overall traffic death count. These statistics serve as a reminder of the need for increased awareness and safety measures on the roads.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, it is important to seek help. The National Suicide & Crisis Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988. This lifeline provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to reach out and receive the support they need.
By providing these resources and raising awareness about traffic safety and mental health, we can work together to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.