Two recent graduates from Robertson High School in Las Vegas, New Mexico, both former football players, tragically died in a car accident on 10 June.
Their former coach, Leroy Gonzalez, shared that the victims were 18-year-olds Orlando “Orly” Romero and Marquez Espinoza.
He said both young men had played football for Robertson and had just graduated in May.
Gonzalez said it was a loss for the team. He explained that the football team is like a family, and losing two members is very painful.
Orlando played as both a defensive lineman (DL) and an offensive lineman (OL) wearing jersey number 79.
He was 5’7″ tall and weighed 244 pounds. As a senior in the 2024 season, he helped his team achieve a 10-2 record, finishing second in their district.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Orlando Romero
Condolences are pouring in for Orlando Romero’s mother, Joelyn, and his grandmother, Darlene, during this heartbreaking time.
Darlene Esquibel shared her deep sorrow over the loss of her grandson, Orlando Romero.
She said he had stolen her heart forever and will always hold a special place in it. She expressed how much she will miss him and wished him peace, remembering him with love and affection.
My handsome grandson that stole my heart for ever. Grandma will miss you and will always have a big place in her heart for you. RIP my sweet boy.
Darlene Esquibel
Sabby Bustamante and Sara Bustamante, who were like family to Orlando “Orly” Romero, shared their heartbreak over his passing.
They said Orly was full of love and energy the night before the accident, describing how he was glowing with happiness.
They expressed how much he meant to them and said he was a big part of their lives.
Orlando Romero My boy was glowing last night full of love and energy rest in peace Orlando you are such a big part of our life you we’re not supposed to leave us.
Sabby Bustamante
When a FYI, New Mexico recently recognized Orlando Romero for his impressive achievement of winning back-to-back state powerlifting titles, Sabby Bustamante expressed deep love and pride for Orlando, describing him as someone who meant the world to him and his wife, Sara Bustamante.
To them, he was like the son they never had, and his accomplishments brought them great joy.
Fellow 2025 Robertson graduate and star quarterback Jesse James Gonzales shared that Orlando Romero and Marquez Espinoza were not only his friends but were also well-liked by many.
He said both of them were outgoing, made friends easily, and were well-known at both Robertson and the rival school, West Las Vegas.
Rest in peace, Orly.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- As a junior in 2024, Orlando Romero won the 275-pound division in Class 1A/3A powerlifting.
- In April of his senior year, he moved up a weight class and won the 308-pound title.
- He set state records in both divisions—lifting a total of 1,340 pounds in the 275 class and 1,485 pounds in the 308 class.
