Portales woman killed in car crash

Kacee Lovato, 20, a Portales High graduate and aspiring singer, died in an automobile accident early Thursday morning in Roosevelt County.

Lovato graduated from Portales High School in 2006. She was a singer destined to go places, according to Bill Rice, a drummer who knew Lovato through the Floyd Jamboree.

“I enjoyed playing with her,” Rice said. “She performed out at the Floyd Jamboree for quite a few years. She was a very talented young lady and she will be sorely missed.”

Lovato competed in the Colgate Challenge and attended classes at Eastern New Mexico University during the fall of 2006 and 2007.

“She had a great voice, I think she had promise,” Rice said. “I do believe that girl would have gone somewhere.”

Rice said Lovato’s mother, Angela, and she performed a lot of duets and sang backup for the band one year at the Jamboree.

Lovato’s parents could not be reached for comment.

State Police Capt. Jimmy Glascock said his department was called to the scene shortly after the 12:24 a.m. on N.M. 235.

According to Glascock:

• Lovato lost control the 2008 Pontiac passenger car she was driving four miles south of Dora. The vehicle left the road in a broadside skid and rolled several times.

• Lovato was not wearing her seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries.

“She was traveling at a high rate of speed,” Glascock said.

Rice said he will make sure that there is a tribute to Lovato this year at the Floyd Jamboree.