DACC nursing instructor remains in critical condition

A Dona Ana Community College nursing instructor is fighting for her life after getting hit by a car last week.

Friends of Lucy Sandoval, 53, are heartbroken by what happened.

New Mexico State University police told ABC-7 Sandoval was using the crosswalk at the intersection of Knox Street and Stewart Street on campus when she was hit by a car.

Sandoval has been a nursing instructor at DACC for a little more than a year. In that time, she’s had a huge impact on students and fellow faculty.

“We miss her. We miss her terribly. She has touched the lives of our students from the time they enter our program to the time that they exit the program. So many of them see her throughout their journeys,” said DACC nursing director Tracy Lopez.

The entire DACC community is reeling after Sandoval was hit by a car last Thursday.

Police said a university Ford Taurus driven by Catherine Parra, 22, was turning left onto Stewart Street when it hit Sandoval.

Parra told police she didn’t see Sandoval crossing the street.

“According to statements at the scene, she had looked down at her radio and when she looked back up she saw the victim, Ms. Sandoval, rolling off the hood of her car,” NMSU police Lt. Lynn Hodges told ABC-7.

Police said Parra could face charges ranging from careless driving to failure to yield. She could also face more serious charges depending on whether or not Sandoval recovers.

Sandoval has been in critical condition in the intensive care unit at University Medical Center in El Paso.

Friends, fellow faculty and students are all praying for a speedy recovery for Sandoval.

“She is such an important part of not only our team, but she acts as a mentor and a support for our students through everything. There’s a really big hole in the office next to mine because Lucy’s not here. She’s a very good listener and has often just provided that ear for people when they needed it,” Lopez said.