Haylee Gonzalez Dies in Horrific Crash on I-40 [Albuquerque, NM]

Albuquerque, NM (September 16, 2026) — University of New Mexico cheerleader Noelle Sanchez remains hospitalized after a crash killed her cousin, Haylee Gonzalez, as they traveled to Roswell to mourn Gonzalez’s mother, who had been killed hours earlier.

The crash happened around 9:08 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, on the westbound Interstate 40 frontage road near southbound Interstate 25. Police said a semi-truck and trailer ran a red light and struck the passenger side of a northbound black Audi.

Gonzalez, who was riding as a passenger, died at the scene. Emergency crews took Sanchez, who drove the Audi, to a hospital in critical condition. A Sept. 14 update indicated that she remained hospitalized.

The cousins were traveling to Roswell after police found Gonzalez’s mother, Stacia Pearce, 38, and Tony Joseph Ontiveros, 39, dead inside a home following a reported shooting around 3 a.m. Police said both victims suffered gunshot wounds and that Pearce’s vehicle was stolen from the property before authorities recovered it.

The University of New Mexico Spirit Program has asked its community to support Sanchez and her family as they cope with the deaths and Sanchez’s injuries.

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Sweet Lawyers extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Haylee Gonzalez and Stacia Pearce. Our hearts are with them through these devastating losses and with Noelle Sanchez as she continues her recovery.

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Road Accidents Can Lead to Heartbreaking Losses

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