New Mexico
New Mexican musician faces uphill battle after tragic accident in Rome
If you’re from northern New Mexico, the band “Cascabel” rings a bell. Leo Maes has been singing and playing the drums with the band for years.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – If you’re from northern New Mexico, the band “Cascabel” rings a bell. Leo Maes has been singing and playing the drums with the band for years.
“Leo has always been a musician, since I think the day he could hold a drum stick, that was his first love is playing the drums. He’s a jokester, he is crazy (laughs) he loves his family, he loves his daughter and his whole family,” said Barbara Maes, Leo’s wife.
It was that love for his daughters that drove him to book a family trip to Rome this summer. His daughter, Alex Maes, says she went to the Vatican last year and wanted to share the experience with her dad.
“My husband I planned a tour of the Vatican. My dad really, really wanted to go see the Vatican and his main goal is to bring back a souvenir for one of his cousins, like a rosary or something like that,” said Alex.
On their second day of vacation, things took a turn — Leo collapsed during the tour.
“He essentially snapped his neck, which resulted in a severe spinal cord injury,” Alex said.
Leo had to be rushed into emergency surgery. The family found out he tested positive for COVID-19, but doesn’t know if that had anything to do with the collapse.
“From a window, I can just look. And then like Alex said the language barrier to get information from doctors it has been very difficult,” said Barbara.
As they remain stuck thousands of miles away, they’re leaning on the New Mexico community to help bring Leo back home.
“He is well-loved by the musician community. It has been overwhelming the support we are getting,” said Barbara.
They’ve already raised more than $20,000 through a GoFundMe page. Their goal is to get him to UNM hospital for the rest of his care.
There’s still a question about whether he’ll ever be able to move his arms or legs again.
“The urgency really is securing an air ambulance that is equipped to transfer an intubated patient. These ambulances are extremely expensive. We’ve looked into several, and our main goal is to get him home. I want him home,” Alex said.
While the road ahead is long, they are thankful for the community support.
“I can’t even put into words how thankful I am for all of the support, all of the love and prayers that we have been sent. I just want to tell my dad if he can hear me that I love him so much,” said Alex.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Rail Yards Market celebrated the state’s rich indigenous culture and history over the weekend through artistry, food, and craftsmanship. Some of the many attractions included a variety of southwestern jewelry pieces, handmade leather goods, as well as contemporary beadwork and artwork showcasing centuries-old traditions.
The Ry-Dale Largo Dance Group also performed traditional Navajo dancing styles. “I think it’s really important for everybody to get out and mingle and sit next to each other and create art. It really forms a sense of community, and it’s nice to just sit and create with people next to you that just really enjoy doing art,” said Lisa Richards, beading instructor.
Organizers say the Rail Yards Market sits on Tiwa land, emphasizing their pride in uplifting indigenous voices through their vendors and partners.
VALENCIA COUNTY, N.M. – Valencia County Fire Department responded to a serious UTV crash after two people suffered major injuries in the Rio Puerco area.
The Valencia County Fire Department one patient was flown to the hospital with critical injuries. A second patient went by ambulance with serious injuries.
The fire department said this was the second serious ATV or UTV crash its crews handled that day.
Earlier in the day, units responded to an ATV crash that sent two children to the hospital with multiple traumatic injuries.
The fire department urged riders to wear helmets, stay off roadways and make sure children do not operate ATV or UTV vehicles without supervision.
-
Indianapolis, IN1 minute agoMan Dies Days After Traffic Stop Tasing in Indianapolis
-
Pittsburg, PA6 minutes agoPittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones placed on administrative leave
-
Augusta, GA13 minutes agoAugusta Players, Imperial Theatre announce Shane Peterman as new CEO
-
Washington, D.C16 minutes agoMaryland man sentenced to 25 years for sextorting young girls on social media
-
Cleveland, OH21 minutes agoCavaliers obvious draft day win is the opposite move anyone expects
-
Austin, TX28 minutes agoTexas Pride events 2026: Parades, festivals and more happening this June
-
Alabama31 minutes agoTwo Alabama Players, One Coach Being Considered for 2027 CFB Hall of Fame Class
-
Alaska36 minutes agoAlaska Dividend Payments in June 2026: Dates, amount and eligibility
