Monique Maes Santa Fe: A Dedicated Life, Tragic Loss, And The Latest On The Hit-and-Run Case
Contents
Monique Maes: Biographical Profile and Public Service Career
Monique Maes dedicated her entire professional life to serving the residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico, forging a career that spanned over 25 years with the city government. Her commitment began shortly after she graduated from high school, demonstrating a deep, lifelong bond with her hometown and its public institutions.- Full Name: Monique Maes (Monique M. Maes)
- Age at Death: 43 years old
- Hometown: Santa Fe, New Mexico (Lifelong resident)
- Date of Death: October 15, 2024
- Cause of Death: Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
- Family: Survived by her two children, who were with her during the incident.
- Primary Employer: City of Santa Fe (Over 25 years of service)
- Most Recent Position: Contracts Administrator for the Buckman Direct Diversion (BDD) Project
- Funeral Services: Provided by Berardinelli Family Funeral Service in Santa Fe.
A Quarter-Century of Dedication to the City of Santa Fe
Monique Maes’s career is a testament to unwavering public service, a trait often celebrated but rarely demonstrated with such longevity and commitment. She was an integral part of the City of Santa Fe’s operations, contributing significantly to key infrastructure projects throughout her tenure.The Role at Buckman Direct Diversion (BDD)
Her most recent and prominent role was as the Contracts Administrator for the Buckman Direct Diversion Project. The BDD is a crucial water management initiative that supplies a significant portion of the water for the City of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County. In this capacity, Maes was responsible for managing complex contracts, ensuring the project operated efficiently, legally, and within budget. Her work was essential to the operational success of one of the region’s most important water sources, a role that required meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of municipal finance and procurement.A Valued Colleague and Manager
Maes’s dedication extended beyond her administrative duties. She began her career with the city shortly after finishing high school and held various roles, including being listed in some records as a Chief Financial Officer for a period. Her long-standing presence made her a respected figure, a co-worker, and a friend to many across different departments. Following her death, City of Santa Fe officials and the BDD Board publicly acknowledged her immense contributions, dedicating meeting minutes to her memory and recognizing her as a cornerstone of the municipal workforce.The Tragic October 2024 Hit-and-Run Incident
The life of Monique Maes was tragically ended on the evening of Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in an incident that sent shockwaves through the quiet Santa Fe neighborhood she called home.Details of the Fatality
The tragedy occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. as Maes was walking with her two children near her home on Paseo de Nopal. A vehicle struck Maes and her children, and the driver immediately fled the scene, leaving the victims on the side of the road. While her children sustained injuries, they survived the devastating impact. Monique Maes, however, succumbed to her injuries, marking a heartbreaking loss for her family and the entire community.The Investigation and Suspect Capture
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office launched an immediate and intensive investigation into the fatal hit-and-run. Community outrage and media attention mounted as the search for the suspect continued for weeks. The investigation eventually led authorities to identify a suspect: Mario Mendez. Mendez was suspected of driving the vehicle that hit Maes and her children. A significant breakthrough came when authorities successfully located and captured Mario Mendez. Due to the suspect not being in Santa Fe at the time of the arrest, the case involved inter-jurisdictional cooperation to ensure he was brought back to face charges in New Mexico. The swift identification and subsequent capture of the suspect provided a measure of closure for the family and demonstrated the Santa Fe Sheriff's Office's commitment to justice in this high-profile case.Community Legacy and Demand for Justice
The death of Monique Maes became a rallying point for the Santa Fe community, highlighting the need for greater pedestrian safety and accountability for reckless drivers.A Mother and Community Pillar
Maes was a devoted mother, and the fact that her children were present during the incident amplified the emotional impact on the community. Her family spoke out publicly, expressing their grief and their unwavering desire to see the person responsible held fully accountable for their actions. The outpouring of support for her children and family was immediate, with neighbors, colleagues, and strangers contributing to efforts to assist them during this unimaginable time.Honoring Her Memory
The City of Santa Fe formally recognized Maes’s decades of service. Her passing was noted in official city and Buckman Direct Diversion Board meetings, where colleagues shared memories of her dedication and professionalism. Her legacy is not just in the contracts she managed or the projects she helped oversee, but in the example she set as a hard-working, committed public servant who was deeply rooted in the Santa Fe community. As of the latest updates in late 2025, the case against Mario Mendez is proceeding through the New Mexico judicial system. The community continues to monitor the legal proceedings, ensuring that the memory of Monique Maes—a New Mexico mom, a Contracts Administrator, and a beloved friend—is honored through the pursuit of justice. Her story serves as a tragic reminder of the preciousness of life and the devastating impact of a single reckless act.
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