Kylie Rae Harris death: Country singer was ‘drunk and speeding’ at time of fatal crash

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

Country singer Kylie Rae Harris was drunk and speeding when the fatal crash that killed her and one other person occurred, a police investigation has found.

Harris, 30, and 16-year-old Maria Elena Cruz died in a three-car collision in New Mexico in September this year. A third driver escaped with no injuries.

At the time, a spokesperson for the Taos County sheriff’s office said they believed alcohol had been a factor in the crash.

A new statement from the sheriff’s office has now said that Harris was travelling at a speed of 102 miles per hour at the time of the first collision, before crossing into the oncoming lane and hitting another vehicle at 95 miles per hour.

Harris’s blood alcohol level was .28 – three times the legal limit.

“The now-completed investigation supports what we suspected at the time of our initial investigation and my earlier press release, which stated alcohol consumption was suspected and speeding was a factor,” the spokesperson said.

In response to the findings, Harris’s family released a statement to People expressing their regret at the tragedy.

“The family of Kylie Rae Harris received the toxicology report and deeply regret that alcohol contributed to the tragic deaths of Maria Elena Cruz and Kylie,” it said. “No family should have to endure the tragic heartbreak of losing a child.”