LOS LUNAS — Los Lunas police are investigating the death of a man walking along Interstate 25 south of the village of Los Lunas.
Los Lunas Police Detective Sergeant Nikki DeAnda said an officer found the body of Fidencio Romero, also known as Francisco “Frank” Romero, 72, of Belen, on the shoulder of the southbound lane of the interstate between mile marker 202 and 203 early on Sunday, June 25.
“He was found around 5:50 a.m. We are still investigating the time frame in which he was hit,” DeAnda said.
Romero’s vehicle, a white Dodge Dakota, was found about a mile south of where his body was located, with the hazard lights engaged.
DeAnda said a certified mechanic checked the pickup truck and found indications the engine had been overheating.
“We believe there was some kind of mechanical problem, and he began walking northbound on the southbound shoulder,” the detective said. “He was struck by what we suspect was an 18-wheeler based on statements and evidence from (the Office of the Medical Investigator.) We are still reviewing video surveillance to see what vehicles were in the area at that time.”
The preliminary investigation by OMI indicates Romero died at the scene. During the investigation, officers found a flashlight with his body.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Los Lunas police traffic division or criminal investigations division at 505-839-3855.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Los Lunas Police Department “Stop It” app available on all smartphones. Enter access code: loslunaspd.
Julia M. Dendinger began working at the VCNB in 2006. She covers Valencia County government, Belen Consolidated Schools and the village of Bosque Farms. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists Rio Grande chapter’s board of directors.
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