The 4 year old was located by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office helicopter who landed and pilots started C.P.R.. The child was transported to San Juan Regional Medical helicopter "Air Care." She was later pronounced dead at San Juan Regional Medical Center.
From the San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office:
The 4 year old was located by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office helicopter who landed and pilots started C.P.R.. The child was transported to San Juan Regional Medical helicopter "Air Care." She was later pronounced dead at San Juan Regional Medical Center.
She was identified as 4 year old Emily Winer of Aztec.
AT 5:07 pm, Monday, September 5, 2016, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and San Juan County Fire Department were dispatched to the Animas River in the area of County Road 2626 and County Road 2900 with reports of a 3 year old girl who fell into the river.
Responding units learned the 3 year old was playing by the river with her family when she slipped and fell in. She was reported to have gone under water not resurface. She was described as being 2’ tall and approximately 35 pounds wearing a light colored shirt and multi colored pants.
The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.
As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.
The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.