Family Devastated by Fatal Crash Near Santa Fe

The family of a 64-year-old woman killed in a crash south of Santa Fe last week said they are in “shock and disbelief” following her death, describing the loss as devastating, and senseless.

Lisa Bransford of Eldorado was ejected from her vehicle and pronounced dead at an area hospital after a collision on April 4 involving a Nissan Sentra driven by 21-year-old Jaydin Loretto, according to authorities.

Witnesses told investigators that Loretto was driving at speeds of up to 90 mph and weaving through traffic just before the crash near the intersection of U.S. 285 and Avenida Eldorado shortly before 4:30 p.m.

Sheriff’s deputies believe Loretto was intoxicated at the time of the crash, citing the smell of alcohol and delayed, slurred speech. He declined to speak with investigators and refused a blood-alcohol test, though a judge later signed a warrant allowing blood to be drawn.

Loretto faces charges of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, reckless driving, and driving on a revoked license. Prosecutors are seeking a court order for pretrial detention.

Bransford’s niece, Melinda Saiz, said in a statement that the family is “devastated, heartbroken, and, quite frankly, angry,” adding that the act has “forever changed the course of our family’s future.”

She described Bransford as leaving behind “a legacy defined by compassion, empathy and a deep love for the world around her,” noting her aunt’s profound care for nature, animals, and fellow human beings.

Bransford was a committed supporter of immigrant rights, civil rights, and the protection of public lands, and attended the annual Midwinter Eagle Count in Abiquiú every year as part of a national bald eagle survey.

The incident marks the second fatal crash in Santa Fe County within a month involving a young driver accused of reckless driving under the influence. On March 7, 16-year-old Jaidyn Garcia was accused in a crash off N.M. 14 south of Santa Fe that killed 15-year-old Antonio Montoya.