Santa Fe woman dies from hit-and-run crash

Oct. 17—A Santa Fe woman who was struck by a driver Tuesday evening while walking near a county road has died from her injuries, officials confirmed.

The pedestrian who died was identified as Monique Maes, 43.

Maes was walking with her two children near Paseo Nopal when the incident occurred, deputies said. A news release from the agency indicated at least one witness saw the vehicle drive away after the crash.

Sheriff's deputies said the two children, ages 8 and 12, were also struck by the vehicle, but they were treated for their injuries at a local hospital and released.

Sheriff's deputies seized an abandoned vehicle they believe was involved in the crash later Tuesday night. The white SUV was found parked at an intersection several miles from the scene of the crash with "front-end damage," the sheriff's office said.

As of late Thursday morning, investigators had not identified a suspect, sheriff's office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila said.

"We're hoping someone will come forward with more information," she said.

A longtime friend of Maes and her family, Bill Sanchez, said Thursday that Maes' loved ones were shocked and "devastated" by her tragic death. He noted Maes' deep ties to Santa Fe, referring to her as "bright and gregarious."

"She was just so loved by so many people," Sanchez said of Maes.

"It's a real tragedy."

This is a developing story and will be updated.