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Clovis man dies after being struck by vehicle

CLOVIS — A 55-year-old Clovis man died Thursday after he was struck by a vehicle while walking on a dusty county road.

Merle Watson died at Plains Regional Medical Center, where he was transported soon after the accident.

A news release from Curry County Sheriff Wesley Waller reported:

• Deputies were dispatched to Curry Road L, north of Curry Road 15, about 3:20 p.m. for a crash involving a pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle.

• The investigation determined Watson was walking north on the west side of Curry Road L, which is a dirt road.

• Kade Duarte, 23, of Clovis, was traveling north on Curry Road L, driving a 2015 Ford pickup, and following another vehicle, driven by Lawrence Robles.

• Robles reported that after he passed Watson, he saw him walking toward the east side of the road. Duarte reported that, due to the dust created by Robles’ vehicle, he did not see Watson in the road in time to avoid the collision.

• Duarte’s vehicle struck Watson and then overturned as a result of his attempted evasive action.

• Duarte was not injured.

Watson was the grandson of Merle Watson, who started Watson Motor Co. in Clovis in 1948.

Waller did not answer questions Friday concerning any charges that may come from the incident.

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