Posted on Jul 04, 2023

Man, 72, fatally struck by vehicle while walking in Los Lunas

LOS LUNAS, NM - A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle on a highway south of Los Lunas, police said.

According to the Valencia County News-Bulletin, the victim was identified as 72-year-old Francisco Romero of Belen.  His body was found by police June 25 along the shoulder of Interstate 25 southbound between mile marker 202 and 203.

Romero's pickup truck was discovered about a mile away from the scene with its hazard lights on.  Investigators believe the vehicle had a mechanical problem and that Romero was walking on the shoulder when he was struck. It is suspected that the vehicle that hit him was an 18-wheeler.

Los Lunas police are continuing their investigation into the incident.  Anyone with further information was asked to contact the Los Lunas police traffic division or criminal investigations division.