LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A bizarre accident in Las Cruces took the life of one man.

New Mexico State Police said it happened just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday. When they arrived at the scene the victim's truck was submerged in Burn Lake.

The victim's family said Chad Murray had dinner at his mother’s home Saturday night, and hours later he was dead.

Five people heard Murray's truck crash into the water. One of them called 911.

“It was just a loud bang. We saw a cloud of dust and then we heard water just splash. It was just horrific. It was just awful,” said Daniel Vasquez, a witness at the scene.

New Mexico State Police said Murray was travelling east on Interstate 10 when his truck somehow crossed the westbound lanes. It went tumbling down an embankment, then crashing through 30 feet of chain link fence. The truck came to rest in Burn Lake. Witnesses helped first responders to locate the vehicle.

“Las Cruces Fire Department was able to retrieve Mr. Murray. He was then transported to Memorial Medical Center where he was pronounced dead,” said Greg Smith, Patrolman with the New Mexico State Police.

“It was scary. It was scary because we knew that we were helpless. We couldn't get to that person and it was just like something that was out of a movie, said Vasquez.

According to family members, Murray worked at a solar electric company, and was also a real estate appraiser for 10 years.

“I don't know. It's kind of sad. I know. There has been a couple of accidents,” said Manuel Armijo of Central Las Cruces.

At this time it is unclear whether Murray fell asleep at the wheel, or suffered from a medical problem.

“That is all under investigation at this time pending toxicology results,” said Smith.

Some residents are concerned there is no secure barrier between the road and the lake.

“They should make a wall there so the cars don't come through,” said Serjio Hernandez of East Las Cruces.

“They should really consider putting barriers up there. They have to stop vehicles from getting in the water,” said Vasquez.

Murray's mother said Chad had one son. His older brother died last November in a motorcycle crash in Santa Fe.