The initial investigation indicates a 1989 grey Ford F250, driven by James Cummins (81) of Farmington, NM was traveling south across US Highway 64 from County Road 5322 to County Road 5323. For unknown reasons, a white Ford F250 traveling west on US Highway 64 struck the grey Ford F250. Cummins sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
From NM State Police:
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
On October 2, 2021, at around 6:14 p.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash on US Highway 64 near mile marker 60 and County Road 5322, west of Bloomfield, New Mexico.
The initial investigation indicates a 1989 grey Ford F250, driven by James Cummins (81) of Farmington, NM was traveling south across US Highway 64 from County Road 5322 to County Road 5323. For unknown reasons, a white Ford F250 traveling west on US Highway 64 struck the grey Ford F250. Cummins sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
The driver of the Ford F250, who will not be named by the New Mexico State Police at this time, was transported to an area hospital for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Driver inattention appears to be a contributing factor in the crash. Alcohol does not appear to be involved and seatbelts were not properly used.
The New Mexico State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit and Drone Team assisted in the investigation. This information is preliminary, and the investigation is still active and ongoing.
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.