3 Young Adults Killed in Las Vegas House Fire

Victims were bull riders and high school graduates

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

A fatal house fire in Las Vegas, New Mexico early Friday morning claimed the lives of three young adults - 22-year-old Austin Apodaca, 21-year-old Geno Gonzales, and 21-year-old Desiree Trujillo. The fire started around 2:30 a.m. on the 1300 block of Pecos Street, with smoke and flames visible when fire units arrived. Two victims were evacuated but died at the scene, while the third died inside the home. Authorities say there appears to be no foul play involved and the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of three promising young lives has shaken the Las Vegas community. Apodaca and Gonzales were well-known bull riders who competed in local rodeo events, while Trujillo was also a recent high school graduate. The fire has raised concerns about fire safety and prevention, especially in residential areas.

The details

According to the Las Vegas Fire Department, the fire started around 2:30 a.m. on the 1300 block of Pecos Street. Firefighters found two victims who were evacuated but died at the scene, while a third victim died inside the home. The victims were identified as 22-year-old Austin Apodaca, 21-year-old Geno Gonzales, and 21-year-old Desiree Trujillo.

  • The fire started around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2026.
  • A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 1303 Pecos St.

The players

Austin Apodaca

A 22-year-old bull rider who regularly competed in TA Rodeo's summer events and graduated from West Las Vegas High School.

Geno Gonzales

A 21-year-old bull rider who regularly competed in TA Rodeo's summer events and graduated from West Las Vegas High School.

Desiree Trujillo

A 21-year-old who graduated from Robertson High School.

Las Vegas Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and investigated the fatal house fire.

Las Vegas Police Department

The local law enforcement agency assisting in the investigation of the fire.

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What’s next

The investigation will remain active with the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Las Vegas Police Department to determine the exact cause of the fire.

The takeaway

This devastating fire has highlighted the importance of fire safety and prevention measures, especially in residential areas, to help avoid such tragic losses in the future.