The initial investigation indicated a vehicle traveling northbound collided into the rear of Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The Silverado was stopped in the northbound lane attempting to make a left turn. A passenger in the Silverado, Kensley Sylvester (23) of Farmington, NM, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The driver and three other passengers in the Silverado sustained injuries and were transported for treatment. All occupants in the Silverado were not believed to have been wearing seatbelts.
From New Mexico State Police:
On October 5, 2017 around 3:00 p.m. the New Mexico State Police responded to a fatal crash on US 550 northbound at mile marker 135 in San Juan County.
The initial investigation indicated a vehicle traveling northbound collided into the rear of Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The Silverado was stopped in the northbound lane attempting to make a left turn. A passenger in the Silverado, Kensley Sylvester (23) of Farmington, NM, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The driver and three other passengers in the Silverado sustained injuries and were transported for treatment. All occupants in the Silverado were not believed to have been wearing seatbelts.
The driver of the first vehicle was transported for treatment of minor injuries. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in this crash. No further details are available.
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.