On the evening of Thursday, July 3, as Sunland Park settled into the summer’s warmth, a devastating tragedy unfolded near the intersection of Sunland Park Drive and Appaloosa Drive. At approximately 10:45 p.m., a maroon or red Ford pickup truck sped down the street, striking two unsuspecting pedestrians—a 26‑year‑old woman and an unidentified male companion. The victims bore the brunt of the vehicle’s force as it traveled through the intersection.
In a horrifying turn, the driver refused to stop. Instead of rendering aid or staying at the scene, the vehicle fled into the night, leaving behind a maelstrom of wreckage, grief, and unanswered questions. In seconds, the lives of two people had been shattered—and a community would soon be changed forever.
2. Remembering Graciela Citlali‑Tonazin Sahs: A Life Cut Short
The victim at the center of this tragedy, Graciela Citlali‑Tonazin Sahs, was widely recognized as a caring, vibrant young woman with strong familial bonds and a promising future. Born and raised in the region, her family and friends described her as:
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Devoted to loved ones: Always one to lend a shoulder to lean on and quick with a hug or wise counsel.
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Passionate about culture: An avid advocate for her Indigenous heritage and an enthusiast of local arts.
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An aspiring professional: Committed to building her career and contributing meaningfully to her community.
Witnesses and loved ones say Graciela was “full of love and energy,” always excited to engage in community events or bring laughter to a room. In a tribute shared online by a dear friend:
“She had a light that touched everyone she met… I can’t believe she’s gone so suddenly.”
Graciela’s sudden death—on a night meant for fireworks and national celebration—has sent ripples of sorrow through Sunland Park and beyond.
3. The Injured Companion: A Man’s Life Hangs in the Balance
Less is known about the man struck alongside Graciela. Law enforcement has withheld his identity pending updates to family. What has been confirmed:
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He was seriously injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.
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Initial reports place him in critical condition.
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No updates have been released since Thursday night.
His presence alongside Graciela suggests they were walking together—perhaps returning from dinner, an evening stroll, or a local event. Whatever their destination, they never reached it together. Authorities are coordinating with hospital officials and family to obtain updates and request statements if and when he regains consciousness.
4. The Crime Scene: What Happened at 10:45 p.m.?
Onlookers and off‑duty responders describe the scene as chilling and abrupt. Traffic in the area momentarily froze as the truck sped past—but not before it collided with both pedestrians. Witnesses reported:
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The ford truck emerged with speed, obscured by darkness.
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A sickening thud, a moment of stunned silence, followed by traffic chaos.
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One of the victims collapsed on impact, while the other lay just yards away.
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No bystander attempted to follow the fleeing vehicle—even though some peered after it in shock.
Emergency teams arrived quickly—but in the precious minutes between impact and their arrival, the driver vanished. Sunland Park Fire Department units confirmed Graciela was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the man was stabilized and hustled into the nearest hospital.
5. Witness Appeal: Who Saw the Fleeing Vehicle?
Desperate for leads, New Mexico State Police issued a public appeal:
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Vehicle: Maroon or red Ford pickup (size, model, and license plate unknown).
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Time: ~10:45 p.m., July 3.
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Location: Near Sunland Park Drive / Appaloosa Drive.
Even fragments of information—a shattered tail light, headlight color, or sighting of a red truck in the area afterward—could help officers piece together the suspect’s path. Witnesses urged to call the NM State Police tip line or use anonymous methods like Crime Stoppers.
6. The Broader Context: Hit‑and‑Runs in New Mexico
The incident is far from isolated. New Mexico ranks among the states with a notably high rate of hit‑and‑runs—many involving vulnerable pedestrians. According to NMDOT and advocacy groups:
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Nearly 20% of all pedestrian fatalities in the state involve drivers who abandoned the scene.
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Risks increase after dark, in unlit areas, and near busy thoroughfares.
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Advocacy groups say better enforcement, lighting, speed reduction, and public awareness are vital.
The NM State Police, responding to this event, emphasized the legal and moral duty of drivers involved in collisions to remain and provide assistance.
7. Investigation Underway: Leads, Surveillance, and Forensics
Investigators are following several key lines of inquiry:
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Surveillance Review – homes and businesses along the intersection have been asked to submit camera footage. Motion sensors, dash cams, and even Signal apps can cover missing plates or partial images.
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Physical Evidence – Police investigators have canvassed the intersection for tire treads, broken vehicle parts, or paint chips dragged from the hit-and-run vehicle.
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Witness Statements – Both official and unofficial eyewitness reports are being compiled.
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Hospital Checkpoints – Patrols near local body shops, car lots, or dealerships are on alert for damaged Ford trucks and rental vehicles entering for repairs.
Investigators stress that even the smallest clue—a dent in a bumper, a truck spotted in rural areas with no explanation, or interiors stained with pedestrian debris—can crack the case.
8. Community Response: Candlelight Vigils and Social Media Outpouring
The death of Graciela sparked an immediate wave of mourning:
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On Friday evening, residents gathered at Sunland Park Dr. & Appaloosa for a candlelight vigil. Family and friends exchanged memories, broken but determined voices resounded: “We want justice.”
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Social media under hashtags like #JusticeForGracielaSahs brought solidarity from nearby towns—El Paso, Las Cruces, Albuquerque—demanding that the driver be found and charged.
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Faith communities in Sunland Park held prayer services, turning the tragedy into a rallying point for community support.
A memorial fund has also been started to aid with funeral expenses, hospital bills for the injured man, and victim services.
9. The Road Ahead: What Could Happen Legally
If the responsible party is found and identified, charges may include:
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Vehicular or negligent homicide, given Ms. Sahs’ death.
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Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, depending on evidence.
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Failure to stop and render aid—a criminal offense in New Mexico.
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Potential civil proceedings from the Sahs family for wrongful death and emotional distress.
Criminal overturn could result in lengthy prison sentences, driver’s license revocation, and financial restitution. For the injured male victim, future raising of malicious injury claims is also a possibility.
10. Prevention: What Changes Can Protect Pedestrians
Advocates highlight pragmatic steps Sunland Park can take:
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Enhanced street lighting near intersections and bus stops.
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Pedestrian crossings with illuminated signals, especially where residential and commercial zones meet.
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Public awareness campaigns encouraging drivers to slow down and emphasize safe driving.
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Technology—some regions are piloting systems to warn of hit-and-run offenders via license plate scanning and AI alert systems that detect fleeing vehicles.
11. Grief, Healing, and Continuing the Prayer: A Community Unites
In the days following the tragedy:
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The community, still shaken, has organized support networks to assist victims’ families and friends.
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Local therapists are offering pro bono crisis counseling to witnesses traumatized by the accident.
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School counselors are on call for students who may be affected by the death of a beloved community member.
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Streets near the crash are being kept sealed off for public tributes and respectful reflection.
As one praying parent said at a vigil: “We lift her up tonight. But we also demand she not have died in vain.”
12. Searching for Hope: Roadmap to Justice
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If you saw a red/maroon Ford truck in the area Thursday night, call New Mexico State Police (NM SP).
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You can also contact 11 Criminal Investigations Division, or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
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Review and share any surveillance or dashcam footage that spans 10:30–11:00 p.m. near Sunland Park Dr.
Local leaders and family members have pledged an open-door commitment, assuring them: “We will stop at nothing.”
13. Final Reflections: Honoring Graciela’s Light
Graciela’s story—vibrant, tragic, and cruelly interrupted—lives on through her community’s commitment to justice:
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Her obituary, penned by her family, calls her “a gift of joy, wisdom, and love.”
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Plans for a memorial scholarship in her name, supporting cultural education and pedestrian safety, are in motion.
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A colorful mural featuring sunflowers, stars, and arrows (symbolizing resilience and direction) is being discussed for placement near the crash site.
In both sorrow and hope, her memory continues to mobilize. And in that mobilization lies a promise: that one life lost too soon can compel others to protect and cherish every other life still with us.