San Juan County, NM - On May 21, 2018 at about 12:30 p.m. the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on US Highway 550 around mile post 137, south of Bloomfield.
The initial investigation indicated a 2002 Honda passenger car was traveling north on US Highway 550. The left front tire appears to have blown out causing the driver to roll the vehicle. The driver, Daisy Vigil (30) of Espanola, who was not properly wearing her seatbelt, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene.
Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor to the crash. The crash is still under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
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State Wide, NM - Sergeant Thomas Vitale’s funeral service has been scheduled for Thursday, May 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cedar Hills Church of the Cross located at 5550 Stern Drive, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Immediately following the service, the procession will depart Las Cruces and travel to the Fort Bayard National Cemetery, 200 Camino de Paz, Fort Bayard, NM. Interment will commence at 2:00 p.m.
Sergeant Vitale served with the New Mexico State Police for 18 years and was assigned to District 12 Deming, NM. He is also a veteran of the United States Army. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The public is invited to attend as we honor the life and service of this extraordinary man.
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Lea County, NM - On May 18, 2018 at about 4:30 a.m. New Mexico State Police investigated a crash in which a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle near Eunice. The incident occurred on State Road 248 around mile post 1.
The initial investigation indicates that Reymundo Serna (50), of Eunice, NM was in the middle of a dark unlit road when he was struck by a passing vehicle. Serna sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that struck Serna was not charged with any crime. It is unknown why Serna was in the middle of the road.
The driver will not be named because they are not being charged with a crime. The incident is currently under investigation by New Mexico State Police with no additional information available at this time.
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It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of New Mexico State Police Sergeant Thomas Vitale. Sergeant Vitale suffered an unexpected medical incident while on duty today and did not survive. Sergeant Vitale was a dedicated and hard-working member of the New Mexico State Police family, and he will be sorely missed.
Sergeant Vitale served with the New Mexico State Police for 18 years and was assigned to District 12 Deming, NM. He is also a veteran of the United States Army. He is survived by his wife and three children.
New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas wishes for everyone to know what an exemplary public servant Sgt. Vitale was. “This tragic incident leaves us mourning the life of an extraordinary man. While we mourn the passing of Sgt. Vitale, we are blessed to have known him. Sgt. Vitale was an example of what every State Police officer strives to be,” stated Chief Kassetas. “He was dedicated and passionate about serving his state and community and did so in a distinguished and honorable manner. We will miss Sgt. Vitale greatly, and he will never be forgotten.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Please keep the Vitale family in your thoughts and prayers as we honor his memory.
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