The initial investigation indicated a 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, driven by Richard Lucero (56) of Bloomfield, NM, was traveling east on US 64 when the motorcycle he was driving crashed on a curved portion in the roadway.
From NM State Police:
Monday, September 21, 2020
On September 18, 2020 at about 5:20 a.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal motorcycle crash on US 64, near mile post 84, east of Blanco, NM.
The initial investigation indicated a 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, driven by Richard Lucero (56) of Bloomfield, NM, was traveling east on US 64 when the motorcycle he was driving crashed on a curved portion in the roadway. Lucero who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle. Lucero sustained fatal injuries in the crash and he was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of Medical Investigator.
Alcohol does not appear to have been a contributing factor in the crash. No additional information is available.
The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
Shortly after the state issued this advisory for the entire Lower Valley Water Users Association, the association posted that the boil water advisory was limited to just one County Road. However, they have since removed that notice, and we have now seen that the Upper LaPlata Water Users Association has issued a boil water advisory for its members, and several schools in the Central Consolidated School District will be on remote learning schedules on Monday, October 19, 2026 (details below).
Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.
The meeting will be held from 6=8 p.m. on Wednesday, October, 21, 2026. Participants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time via an online submission form at farmingtonnm.gov/data-center. City staff will organize these inputs to ensure the most frequently asked questions are directly addressed during the main presentation.
Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced it's decision to extend the operation of the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) beyond 2031. Navajo Transitional Energy Company's Navajo Mine provides the necessary coal for the operation of the plant and is positioned to meet the needs of FCPP well into the future.
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Issued for Lower Valley Water Users
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing
Farmington to host Public Meeting on Data Centers
APS Extends Life of Four Corners Power Plant
Three Die in Newcomb area Flood
