Fatal New Year’s Eve Crash in Albuquerque Highlights Drunk Driving Dangers
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A tragic new Year’s Eve incident in Albuquerque underscores the devastating consequences of impaired driving, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The collision, occurring on December 31, 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated wiht driving under the influence.
Two-Vehicle Collision at Indian School Rd and Wyoming Blvd
At approximately 8:36 PM on New Year’s Eve, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) responded to a report of a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Indian School Rd NE and Wyoming Blvd. The incident involved a silver Honda, driven by Joshua Montoya, 24, and a white Lincoln.
Driver Admits to Alcohol consumption
According to a criminal complaint, Montoya admitted to officers at the scene that he had consumed alcoholic beverages prior to the crash. Officers also reported detecting a noticeable odor of alcohol emanating from him. Both Montoya and the driver of the white Lincoln sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening and were transported to UNMH (University of New Mexico Hospital) for treatment. Tragically, a passenger in the white Lincoln was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Evidence of impairment and Arrest
Upon encountering Montoya at UNMH, officers observed several indicators of impairment, including bloodshot watery eyes and slurred speech, in addition to the persistent odor of alcohol. After being informed of his Miranda rights, Montoya chose not to provide further statements. However, he consented to a portable breath test, which registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.121 – exceeding New Mexico’s legal limit of .08.
Montoya was subsequently arrested on charges of Homicide by Vehicle (DUI) and Great Bodily Harm by Vehicle (DUI). He refused to submit to implied consent blood testing, a refusal that prompted authorities to obtain a search warrant for a blood draw, which was than conducted at UNMH.
Preliminary Examination Details Intersection Obstruction
The APD media release indicates that the preliminary investigation suggests the white Lincoln was traveling south on Wyoming Blvd and attempting a left turn (eastbound) onto indian School Rd. The driver’s view was partially obstructed by a U-Haul positioned in the turn lane. Simultaneously, the silver Honda was traveling northbound on Wyoming Blvd, reportedly at a high rate of speed, and collided with the white Lincoln. “The Honda crashed into the white Lincoln vehicle,” ac
What happened? On December 31, 2025, at approximately 8:36 PM, a two-vehicle collision occurred at Indian school Rd NE and Wyoming blvd in Albuquerque. A silver Honda, driven by Joshua Montoya, collided with a white Lincoln while the Lincoln was attempting a left turn.
Who was involved? The drivers were Joshua Montoya, 24, of the Honda, and the driver of the Lincoln, whose name has not been released. A passenger in the Lincoln died at the scene. Both drivers were transported to UNMH with non-life-threatening injuries.
Why did it happen? The preliminary investigation suggests Montoya was driving at a high rate of speed and admitted to consuming alcohol before the crash. His BAC was measured at 0.121, exceeding the legal limit. The Lincoln’s driver had a partially obstructed view due to a U-haul.
How did it end? Montoya was arrested and charged with Homicide by Vehicle (DUI) and Great Bodily Harm by Vehicle
