Jose Ruiz, 25, killed in bicycle accident with alleged hit-and-run driver Cory Lucero, 22, on New Mexico 528 in Albuquerque

Modified Date:

Tue, 12/05/2023 - 10:27am

Accident Date:

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Asst. Albuquerque Academy soccer coach charged in fatal weekend crash

Cory Lucero, 22, was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide with great bodily harm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, according to police. Lucero is an assistant coach with Albuquerque Academy’s C soccer team, sources said.

Albuquerque police identify victim of Hwy. 528 bicycle hit-and-run

Albuquerque police say Lucero was driving a Toyota Tacoma in the far left lane when he came up behind Ruiz in the left lane, hit him, knocked him off the bike and then fled.

Fatal hit-and-run: Soccer coach indicted

“I accidentally hit a guy on a bicycle,” Lucero told police. “I didn't stay at the crime scene, because I was so freaked out, and I’m already in trouble with the law over something, and that's why ... I'm feeling out of my mind.”

The victim, 25-year-old Jose Ruiz, died at the scene. Police said witnesses of the accident got Lucero's license plate number and helped officers track down his truck.When officers pulled Lucero over, he told the investigator he was scared he was already in trouble and that's why he took off. The officer smelled marijuana and believed Lucero was impaired during the crash, according to the criminal complaint.

After a serious or fatal personal injury, take these steps to help the recovery process

When someone suffers a serious personal injury, the first days and weeks are spent getting medical treatment and dealing with the new reality of disability, pain, lost work, and disruption to normal life. When someone dies from their injuries, family members are forced to deal with grief, anger, and loss as they struggle to move forward.

After a serious or fatal personal injury, an injured person, or the family left behind, incur damages including the cost of current and future medical expenses, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Go here to learn how to protect the rights of personal injury victims and their families.

Type: Bicycle Accident

Topics:

Hit and Run, DWI - DUI - Alcohol or Drug Use

People Involved:

Jose Ruiz

Cory Lucero

Roadway:

New Mexico 528 and the Coors Bypass

City:

Albuquerque, NM

County:

Bernalillo County, NM

Area:

Albuquerque-Santa Fe, NM