Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
Luke Django Johnson, born December 17, 1978 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, tragically passed away July
27, 2026, following a motorcycle accident in Pecos, New Mexico.
Luke embraced life with creativity, curiosity, compassion, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the
outdoors.
Luke graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1997, where he excelled both academically and
athletically. He served as captain of both the football and wrestling teams, played fullback, was a
multiple-time state placer at the New Mexico State Wrestling Championships, and was honored as
Santa Fe High School's inaugural Academic Athlete of the Year before continuing his athletic career by
playing NCAA Division I football at New Mexico State University.
A gifted artist and healer, Luke earned his Bachelor of Arts from the Colorado Institute of Art. He later
sold his artwork in Santa Fe, founded Django Design, built his home in Glorieta, New Mexico, with his
own hands, and earned his massage therapy education at the New Mexico Academy of the Healing Arts
(NMAHA) before continuing his education with advanced training in Mexico and Japan. Whether
creating art, building with his hands, caring for others, or learning something new, Luke found joy in
making and exploring.
Adventure was woven into who Luke was. He loved hiking and backpacking, camping, fishing and
hunting, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowboarding, and riding his Harley-Davidson
motorcycle. He could be found making tea with his camping stove on a day hike, beating his djembe
drum, or dancing around a campfire.
His playful spirit made him a natural with children, including during his time as a ski instructor at Ski
Santa Fe, and he never lost his own sense of wonder. He also had a deep love for animals and shared a
special bond with his horse, Bonnie, and his beloved dog, Ryker.
For all of Luke's adventures, perhaps nothing mattered more to him than family. He was deeply
sensitive, caring, and loving, and treasured the people in his life with his whole heart. He was a devoted
son, brother, Nino, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, and the bonds he shared with those he loved
were among the most meaningful parts of his life.
Those who knew Luke will remember his adventurous spirit, artistic talent, playful sense of humor,
generous and loving heart, and the way he encouraged others to embrace life with curiosity. Whether
around a campfire, on a mountain trail, riding his Harley, creating something with his hands, or gathered
with family and friends, Luke cherished the experiences and connections that made him feel most alive.
Luke is survived by his parents, Warner and Suzie Johnson; his sisters, Farland Johnson and Renée
Bowen; his sister-in-law, Marjorie Morales; his brother-in-law, Aron Bowen; his nephews, Mateo
Johnson-Morales, Sumari Bowen, and Koa Bowen; his niece, Francesca Johnson-Morales; and many
aunts, uncles, godparents, cousins, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by him.
A celebration of Luke's life will be held July 27, 2027. Details will follow.
The Johnson family extends heartfelt gratitude to the first responders and compassionate neighbors
who rushed to Luke's side. Your courage, kindness, prayers, and willingness to remain with him in his
final moments brought immeasurable comfort to our family. We are also deeply grateful for the beautiful
memorial created in Luke's honor. Knowing he was not alone is a gift we will carry with us always.
May Luke be remembered in stories shared, laughter echoed, hugs held a little longer, and in the quiet
moments that remind us how precious our time together truly is.
Visits: 15
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors