New Mexico State Police saID an unidentified woman driving a Jeep Wagoneer died shortly after she hit an 18-wheeler in front of her Friday morning.

Investigators said the truck's driver was going down a steep grade on U.S. 70 near Las Cruces and had slowed down. The woman may have been distracted and failed to decrease her speed, ramming the truck from behind.

Sgt. Charles Devine with the New Mexico State Police said, "The driver of the tractor was unaware of the collision until the impact. There was no way for him to see her in the blind spot. As you can see the damage to the Wagoneer was very, very extensive."

State police couldn't release the name of the victim until her next of kin was notified, but did tell KFOX news the woman was believed to be a local resident.