SHE WAS ONLY 24 — YOUNG COACH ALEXIA VERDUGO SIGALA DIES AFTER SHOOTING INVOLVING HER BROTHER

A young woman who spent her time helping high school athletes has died after a shooting at a Santa Fe home — and what initially appeared to be an accident is now being investigated as a homicide.

Alexia Verdugo Sigala, 24, died after suffering a gunshot wound to the torso on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Her death has left her family, friends and the Capital High School community mourning a woman remembered for her connection to young athletes.

THE CALL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Santa Fe police officers were called to a residence in the area of Rufina Street and Atocha Road at around 1:45 p.m. Saturday following a report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they found Alexia suffering from a gunshot wound.

She was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

Because of the severity of her injuries, she was later airlifted to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque.

But despite efforts to save her life, Alexia ultimately died.

Santa Fe police later confirmed that detectives were investigating her death as a homicide.

HER BROTHER IS AT THE CENTER OF THE INVESTIGATION

According to the preliminary investigation, Alexia’s adult brother allegedly discharged a rifle unintentionally, with the bullet striking her.

Detectives interviewed him as part of the investigation.

The firearm was taken into evidence while investigators processed the scene.

Although the shooting was initially described as accidental, police are now working with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.

As of the latest police update, no formal charges had been announced against the brother.

That means the case is far from over.

Investigators still have to determine exactly what happened inside the home and whether the evidence supports criminal charges.

A YOUNG COACH REMEMBERED BY HER SCHOOL

Alexia’s death has also sent shockwaves through Capital High School, where she was involved with the school’s athletic programs.

She had been connected to the Capital High volleyball program and also served as an assistant coach with the girls’ basketball program.

For the students and athletes who knew her, the tragedy is about much more than a police investigation.

It is the sudden loss of a young woman who was part of their community.

At just 24 years old, Alexia had seemingly spent her time building a future while helping younger athletes pursue theirs.

That future was suddenly cut short.

QUESTIONS REMAIN

Police have said there is no indication that anyone else is at large or that the public faces an ongoing threat.

But investigators are still working to reconstruct the moments leading up to the shooting.

Why was the rifle discharged?

What exactly happened inside the residence?

And will prosecutors ultimately determine that criminal charges are warranted?

Those questions remain unanswered.

For now, a family is grieving a daughter and sister, while Capital High is mourning a young coach whose life ended far too soon.

Alexia Verdugo Sigala was only 24.

And what began as a reported accidental shooting has now become a homicide investigation — leaving a community waiting for answers.