LCPD reveals name of bicyclist after fatal weekend crash
LAS CRUCES – The Las Cruces Police Department disclosed the name of a bicyclist killed in a crash over the weekend.
In a news release on Wednesday, LCPD said 37-year-old Francisco Hernandez was riding a bicycle westbound on Idaho Avenue near the Alamo Street intersection on June 3 around 10:45 a.m. At some point, a 23-year-old driver of an Infinity SUV struck Hernandez from behind. The news release said both Hernandez and the SUV traveled in the same direction westbound.
After the crash, police said the 23-year-old – who they did not identify in the press release – remained on scene as Hernandez was airlifted to an El Paso hospital. Police said the 23-year-old cooperated with investigators before being released. No charges have been filed as of the publication of this article, but police said the investigation is ongoing.
“Besides the driver, the SUV was occupied by an adult woman and two small children,” police said.
This is the fourth fatal vehicle versus pedestrian incident in Las Cruces this year.
Hernandez described as the kindest of sons
Veronica Carbajal Hernandez described her son Francisco as one of the kindest people she'd known. Veronica said her son always made sure to share his food with her and would check on her nightly.
"I think he was headed to my house," Hernandez said, referring to where Francisco was headed before he was killed.
She also said that Francisco is survived by his brother and his two teenaged daughters. After his death, Hernandez said she hoped to donate Fransico's organs.
"I don't want him to die in vain. I want his legacy to go on," she said.
Two other incidents leave two dead
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc.