5 Who Died in New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Crash Identified

5 Who Died in New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Crash Identified
The basket of a hot air balloon which crashed lies on the pavement in Albuquerque, N.M., on June 26, 2021. Andres Leighton/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Authorities on Sunday released the names of the pilot and two couples who died after a hot air balloon they were riding in struck a power line and crashed onto a busy street in Albuquerque.

New Mexico State Police on Sunday identified the pilot as 62-year-old Nicholas Meleski and the four passengers as Susan Montoya, 65; John Montoya, 61; Mary Martinez, 59; and Martin Martinez, 62. The ages of the Martinez couple were reversed when authorities released their identities Saturday.