EL PASO, Texas (AP) - An SUV driver from the Houston area involved in a West Texas traffic accident that killed a police officer has also died.

El Paso police on Thursday announced the death of 70-year-old Amado Ancheta of Katy. Police say Ancheta died Dec. 20 from injuries suffered in the Interstate 10 chain-reaction wreck that claimed the life of El Paso police Officer Angel Garcia.

Investigators say Garcia on Dec. 16 was struck while outside of his patrol vehicle as he attempted to remove a ladder from the highway. The officer died at an El Paso hospital.

Police initially said Ancheta and a passenger suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

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