Pedestrian killed on Highway 101 near Los Alamos

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A driver struck and killed a 37-year-old pedestrian from Alabama on northbound Highway 101 near Los Alamos, New Mexico in the early hours of Saturday morning. The victim was headed northbound on the highway when the vehicle hit him, though it is unclear what he was doing on the highway at the time. The crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers pedestrians can face when walking on or near major highways, especially in the late night/early morning hours when visibility may be poor. It also raises questions about what the victim was doing on the highway at that time of night.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, a witness reported a vehicle had struck a pedestrian on northbound Highway 101 north of Alisos Canyon Road shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday. Officers arrived at the scene and found the 37-year-old Alabama man, who was pronounced dead. Investigators say the victim was headed northbound on the highway when the vehicle struck him, though it is unclear what he was doing on the highway at the time.

• The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2026.

What’s next

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal crash.