Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 11:00 am Duke City Wheelmen together with members of the Chavez family will honor fallen cyclists Christopher Jerome Chavez.
A ghost bike will be placed on the north side of Rio Bravo Blvd. SW where Chavez was struck and killed. The site is just east of Poco Loco Drive SW, before you reach the Rio Grande.
Chavez, 37, was a 14 year veteran of the Albuquerque Fire Department was struck from behind as he rode on the shoulder of Rio Bravo June 30, 1999. Although the driver fled the scene, he was later arrested through an anonymous tip authorities received not long after the crash occurred.
The driver, 24-year-old Juan Calles of Valencia County, later pled guilty to three charges stemming from the incident. The charges were one count each of leaving the scene of an accident involving death or great bodily injury, tampering with evidence and having no proof of insurance. He was sentenced to seven years and nine months, the maximum allowed for the combined charges.
The pain may subside, but the loss becomes an indelible feature in the lives of family and friends. Join us tomorrow to remember.
Jennifer Buntz