Leonel "Leo" Andres Monroy

“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love and then we return home.” – Australian Aboriginal Proverb

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Leonel “Leo” Andres Monroy. Leo was born October 24, 2009, in Albuquerque, NM and died February 18, 2025, at age 15 as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Known for his kindness, inclusivity and exemplification of unconditional love, Leo touched the lives of everyone he met. He poured his heart and soul into his family, his friends and pets which included a fancy mouse, Remi and three cats Nugget, Burger and French Fry. An avid skater, Leo excelled at ice hockey. He played league hockey with NMICE and hoped to eventually play for the Ice Wolves. At the start of high school, he was enthusiastic for the variety of sports options available and had started freshman football at Rio Grande High School. Leo enjoyed video games, often playing his flight simulator game that allowed him to virtually visit the world; he had dreams of becoming a pilot after high school and visiting all the places he flew to in his flight simulator. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Leo was known for his ability to solve many varieties of Rubik’s cubes. His friends and family were often requested to scramble his Rubik’s cube for him and time how quickly he could solve it.

Leo is survived by his parents, Cathy Chavez Monroy and Carlos Ruiz Monroy; sister, Montserrat Grace Monroy; brother-in-law Jose Carreras; grandparents, Marcos Perfecto Chavez and Lydia Contreras Chavez; half siblings Olivia Monroy, Carlos Monroy Jr, Gladys Monroy; and a host of loving family and friends.

A public celebration of Leo’s life with reception to follow will be held at Los Padillas Community Center, 2117 Los Padillas Rd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Choco, UNM Children’s Hospital Facility Dog Fund at impactunm.unmfund.org in memory of Leonel Andres Monroy.