Foul play not suspected in death of two men at oilfield site near Artesia last month

Violent crime or murder were not suspected in the death of two unidentified men at an oilfield site near Artesia on June 26, according to the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office.

Eddy County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Kane Wyatt said detectives were working with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) to identify both men.

“I do want to clarify that foul play is not suspected and there are no suspects or persons of interest at large,” he said.

More:Eddy County Sheriff's detectives investigate deaths at oilfield site near Artesia

Deputies responded to reports of two men unresponsive and not breathing at an oilfield location near the intersection of U.S. Highway 82 and Turkey Track Road around 8:30 a.m. Sunday, read a Sheriff’s Office news release.

The New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OSHB) initiated an investigation Monday, said Spokesperson Matthew Maez.

“OHSB was notified that two employees of A & R Services, LLC, died while working at a well site,” he said.

More:New Mexico eyeing stricter regulations, more fines on oil and gas spills

Maez said the investigation could take up to six months and additional information was not available.

A&R Services is a freight trucking company based in Lovington, read business information from the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office.

Sandra Anchondo was listed a registered agent for A&R Services on the Secretary of State’s website. Anchondo did not respond to a request for comment by the Carlsbad Current-Argus.

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Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.