The Santa Fe County community is mourning following a fatal crash on U.S. Highway 84/285 that claimed the lives of a 74-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The victims have been identified in the supplied report as Diane Bustos, 74, and Andy Bustos, 77. However, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said in its initial release that the names would not be released until next of kin notifications were completed.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reported Victims | Diane Bustos, 74, and Andy Bustos, 77 |
| Date | September 16, 2026 |
| Location | U.S. Highway 84/285, Santa Fe County, New Mexico |
| Initial Emergency Call | Approximately 7:34 a.m. |
| Crash Type | Vehicle left roadway and struck people on shoulder |
| Victim 1 | 74-year-old woman, died at scene |
| Victim 2 | 77-year-old man, later died at hospital |
| Hospital | Christus St. Vincent Hospital |
| Investigation | Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Division |
| Cause | Under investigation |
According to the sheriff’s preliminary investigation, a vehicle traveling southbound left the roadway and struck the two people, who were located outside their parked vehicle on the highway shoulder. Medical personnel from the Santa Fe County Fire Department treated injured people at the scene.
The 74-year-old woman suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The 77-year-old man was transported to Christus St. Vincent Hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the collision.
Authorities said alcohol did not appear to be a factor based on the preliminary investigation. The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Division continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident remains an active investigation, and additional information may be released as authorities complete their review.
Funeral and memorial arrangements for the reported victims were not available in the verified reports reviewed. Those details can be added when officially announced by the families.