An airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base died Wednesday night in an off-base car accident, base officials said on Thursday.
Staff Sgt. D’Andrea Smith, a member of the medical group at Kirtland, was driving to her home in southeast Albuquerque when her vehicle was struck, according to an Air Force press release.
The Albuquerque Police Department is investigating the incident.
Police said a man named Mohammad Hassani was driving the other vehicle which struck Smith, according to local news channel KRQE. Hassani allegedly admitted to police that he had been drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and speeding prior to the collision. He has been charged with vehicular homicide, according to KRQE.
“D’Andrea was a gifted and talented member of Team Kirtland’s Medical Group,” said Col. David Miller, 377th Air Base Wing and Kirtland Installation Commander.
“I would like to extend our deepest condolences to D’Andrea’s loved ones. The Air Force is a family and the death of any one of our Wingmen is deeply felt by all of us.”
