Drunk Driver Charged After Fatal Motorcycle Crash on I-25 in Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, NM (June 8, 2026) – A 24-year-old motorcyclist died on Friday night, June 5, after a driver struck his motorcycle from behind on northbound Interstate 25 near Comanche Road in Albuquerque. The crash occurred at approximately 11:54 p.m., the New Mexico State Police stated.

Keegan Thomas was struck from behind by a 2013 BMW driven by Danny Sanchez, 58. The force of the collision ejected Thomas from his motorcycle. Emergency units transported him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Sanchez continued driving after the crash until his vehicle became inoperable, at which point he pulled onto the right shoulder. Witnesses at the scene directed officers to the BMW, which had significant driver-side damage consistent with the wreck.

Sanchez was arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle, aggravated DWI, and careless driving. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the collision.

The New Mexico State Police Vehicular Crimes Unit is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

We extend our deepest condolences to Keegan Thomas’s family and those who loved him.

Can a Family File a Claim After a Fatal DWI Crash on I-25 in Albuquerque, NM?

When a person is killed in a crash caused by an impaired driver, the family may have legal options beyond the criminal case against the at-fault driver. In New Mexico, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost future income, and the loss of companionship and support. These claims are separate from any criminal proceedings and can move forward regardless of how the criminal case is resolved.

I-25 through Albuquerque is one of the state’s most heavily traveled highways, and the stretch near Comanche Road sits within a corridor that sees consistent high-speed traffic day and night. Rear-end crashes that involve motorcycles at highway speeds are often fatal, and impairment significantly increases both the likelihood and severity of these collisions.

Motorcyclists face disproportionate risk on roads like I-25, where speed differentials and limited visibility at night leave little margin for error. When another driver’s impairment is a confirmed factor, the legal basis for a civil claim is often clearer than in crashes where fault is disputed. 

Families pursuing a wrongful death claim may be eligible to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses tied to the death of their loved one. An Albuquerque wrongful death attorney can help a grieving family understand what options may be available, what documentation may be needed, and how a civil claim fits alongside any criminal case. 

If you are dealing with the legal aftermath of a fatal accident in New Mexico, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Will Ferguson & Associates, we can walk you through what New Mexico law may allow in your situation. 

Call Will Ferguson & Associates at (505) 243-5566 to speak with a member of our team about your case.