The tragic death of 25-year-old Kacie Ranes has sent shockwaves through the community after her body was found in a tent at a homeless encampment near the Española Walmart on Feb. 19. The circumstances surrounding her death are still unclear, but police are treating it as suspicious.
According to reports, Ranes was allegedly hit by a vehicle earlier in the day, but no one had reported it to the authorities. It wasn’t until someone called 911 at around 7:56 p.m. that police responded to the scene.
Ranes, who hails from Alcalde, was known to be a friendly and kind-hearted individual who had fallen on hard times. She was part of the homeless community in Española and was trying to navigate her way out of her current situation. Her sudden and untimely death has left many heartbroken and mourning the loss of a young life taken too soon.
Española Police Chief Mizel Garcia has stated that Ranes’s death is currently under investigation and they are working diligently to piece together what happened in the hours leading up to her tragic passing. The community is urged to come forward with any information they may have that could help bring closure to Ranes’s family and loved ones.