By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Friends, family and the broader Rio Rancho community turned out May 30 for a car and motorcycle show honoring Dante Gallegos, 22, who was killed in a motorcycle crash on NM Highway 528 on May 13 — the latest fatality on a corridor that has claimed seven lives in 18 months.
The event, organized by Gallegos’ best friend’s family, drew lowriders, motorcycles and community members to raise money to help cover funeral costs. Dulce River Bakery and Turquoise Desert Taproom provided food for the event. “It’s pretty amazing — the community comes out like this to support,” said Darlene Chee, Gallegos’ aunt. “We need to definitely bring more awareness to people who ride motorcycles.”
Gallegos died when his motorcycle and a truck collided near the intersection of NM 528 and Sabana Grande Ave SE at approximately 2:48 a.m. A witness told officers Gallegos accelerated to a high rate of speed and attempted to pass the truck using the bicycle lane before striking it. No charges have been filed and the crash remains under investigation, according to RRPD. The crash was the second fatal collision on the corridor in six weeks.
“When you lose somebody who is 22 years old and dies in an accident like that — we’re just trying to be there for one another,” Chee said.
Gallegos’ family said the event raised over $3,000.
More details
- Gallegos was born Jan. 1, 2004 in Santa Fe and grew up in Rio Rancho after his family moved there when he was 6 months old.
- He attended Cleveland High School and worked in vehicle transport, following in his father’s footsteps, and most recently at Tanoan Country Club in Albuquerque.
- He had been riding motorcycles actively for about a year. “He rode a lot and said it made him feel free,” according to his obituary.
Support the Gallegos family
Donations to help cover funeral expenses can be made via Venmo: @Loretta-Romero-10