The driver Mr. Burgess Cayaditto (33) of Cuba, NM and two of the passengers were were transported to San Juan Regional Hospital with injuries. Mr. Charles Martinez (44) of Nageezi, NM sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
From NM State Police: On January 26, 2018 around 4:42 p.m. the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on US 550 near milepost 128, approximately 22 miles south of Bloomfield, NM.
The initial investigation indicated a 1987 Chevrolet truck was traveling south on US 550 when for unknown reasons crossed into the northbound lanes of travel and lost control, overturning on the shoulder.
The single cab vehicle was occupied by four male individuals, in which seat belts were not utilized. Indicators at the scene show that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash.
The driver Mr. Burgess Cayaditto (33) of Cuba, NM and two of the passengers were were transported to San Juan Regional Hospital with injuries. Mr. Charles Martinez (44) of Nageezi, NM sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
This crash remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
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.
Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
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.