Family mourns loss and seeks justice after a devastating highway accident
In a heart-wrenching incident on Highway 87 near Raton, New Mexico, a family’s cross-country journey turned tragic. Kiustyn Delatorre, his wife Claudia Morales, their 10-day-old daughter, Kehlany, and their 3-year-old son were relocating from Washington state to Florida in February 2024 when their vehicle was rear-ended by a semitrailer. The collision resulted in the immediate death of their newborn daughter, leaving the family stranded and in mourning in New Mexico.
The truck driver involved in the crash admitted to New Mexico State Police that he was wearing headphones and talking on the phone at the time of the accident. The family’s attorney, Shane Maier, is now seeking manslaughter charges for the death of baby Kehlany, emphasizing the need for accountability in such grave situations.
Claudia Morales sustained significant injuries, including a brain bleed and six broken ribs, while their 3-year-old son, Dylan, suffered a broken femur, rendering him unable to walk since the accident. Kiustyn Delatorre also experienced bruising and lost consciousness during the crash.
Further investigation revealed that the truck driver violated federal regulations regarding driving hours, including exceeding the ’14-hour on Duty’ and ’11-hour Driving’ rules, and falsifying logbook entries. These findings underscore the serious breaches of safety regulations that contributed to this tragedy.
The Delatorre family’s attorney stresses the importance of holding the responsible parties accountable and calls for the state of New Mexico to take action against the truck driver. This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of neglecting road safety regulations, especially for commercial drivers.
The family is currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in northeast Albuquerque as they navigate through this difficult time. Their story has not only captured local attention but also raises broader concerns about road safety and the enforcement of regulations designed to prevent such devastating accidents
