Santa Fe, NM – Pedestrian Identified in Fatal Crash Near Agua Fria St & Cottonwood Dr

Santa Fe, NM (May 1, 2026) – On Friday, May 1, authorities identified a male pedestrian who died after a vehicle struck him in Santa Fe earlier last month. The Office of the Medical Investigator identified the man as Marcial Romero, 41, of Santa Fe.

The crash occurred on Sunday, April 19, near the intersection of Agua Fria Street and Cottonwood Drive. Emergency units responded to a report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian at approximately 2:05 a.m.

When responders arrived, they located both the driver and Romero at the scene. Romero had sustained serious injuries in the collision.

Paramedics transported Romero to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His next of kin has been notified of his passing. No details about the driver’s condition have been released.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Marcial Romero.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Santa Fe, NM?

In New Mexico, you have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. You should not assume that the deadline automatically extends if the circumstances of the crash were unclear at the time. Missing the filing window can prevent the case from moving forward entirely.

In New Mexico, only a personal representative of the deceased’s estate has the legal standing to file a wrongful death claim. You should confirm whether a representative has already been appointed if you are a surviving family member. That appointment is a required step before the claim can proceed.

If the crash involved a government vehicle or a public entity, the timeline changes significantly. You may be required to file a formal notice of claim within 90 days of the incident. Failing to meet that shorter deadline can bar recovery regardless of the strength of the case.

In some situations, the timeline may depend on when the cause of death becomes clear. If there is a delay in discovering how the incident led to the death, the filing period may adjust slightly. You should review the details carefully to understand how timing applies in your situation.

Evidence plays a key role in how a claim develops over time. Early collection of records, witness details, and medical documentation can strengthen the case. Waiting too long may make it harder to gather accurate information.

Filing a wrongful death claim can involve several challenges, including legal procedures and documentation requirements. You may also face issues related to proving losses or identifying responsible parties. Preparing early can help you manage these steps more effectively.

A Santa Fe wrongful death lawyer can guide you through each stage of the process. An attorney can also assist with filing deadlines, paperwork, and understanding how the law applies to your case. Legal support can also help you organize the information needed to move forward.

At Will Ferguson & Associates, we help families across New Mexico who have lost loved ones in serious vehicle crashes. Our team can review the circumstances of the crash, explain the filing process, and help you understand what options may be available.

If you lost a family member in a crash in Santa Fe or anywhere in New Mexico, you can contact Will Ferguson & Associates at (505) 308-1458 to learn more about your legal options.