New Mexico
'One life lost out there is one too many': Taos leaders discuss safety of Gorge Bridge
TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been a conversation in northern New Mexico for years. Now, after another apparent suicide this week at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos, community leaders said there is a dire need to find a solution to help save lives.
“One life lost out there is one too many. It weighs heavy on the community as a whole,” said Taos County Commissioner Darlene Vigil.
It’s a tourist destination, but it also has a dark history.
“The Gorge Bridge is definitely a place that many folks come to see. It has beautiful views, and unfortunately, it is being used often for suicide,” said Vigil.
On Tuesday, Taos County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, once again, for a possible suicide. Deputies recovered a body; this marks the third time they believe someone took their life this year.
The sheriff’s office said there’s continued concern for those on the bridge but also his deputies, who spearhead recovery efforts.
“It’s extremely challenging and dangerous. Every step, it could transition from a recovery to a rescue for the emergency personnel,” said Taos County Sheriff Steve Miera.
There have been years of discussion about putting more safety features on the bridge, like tall fencing or possible netting underneath. However, a 2019 study suggested the bridge would need improvements to support it.
“A complete structure analysis of the bridge would have to be done and also put the footings because that’s where all the weight goes,” said NMDOT Public Information Officer Jim Murray.
Vigil said the county plans to move forward with safety plans like adding memorials of those who have committed suicide there in the past, hoping it could act as a distraction to those considering suicide.
Since 2021, the state has continued to sit on $150,000 in capital outlay money for safety upgrades, which could be used to add fencing or cameras.
“We need action. We need to move that talking and conversation into action,” said Vigil.
Right now, there are crisis hotline phones at the bridge as well as an intervention security unit.
Ten days into the transfer prortal and its been all quiet for the Virginia Tech football team in terms of getting commitments. As far as players leaving Blacksburg for new schools for 2025, that has been a pipeline to the SEC.
Just how bad are things right now for Hokies’ coach Brent Pry and his staff? Clemson and Dabo Swinney, who are at Texas on Saturday in the first round of the 12-team College Football Playoff have had two commitments at the time this article is being written. That’s rather eye-opening. To add insult to injury, in-state rival Virginia has had some key commitments through the portal.
There is still time for Virginia Tech to add some players and they will. Just who and how many remains to be seen, but yes, it’s concerning the returns so far compared to the subtractions. The Hokies picked up their first and only commitment to date Wednesday night when Clemson transfer Sherrod Covil, Jr. committed to bolster the secondary. This is a big in-state win as Pry brings home another Commonwealth player to finish his career in his home state. The Hokies will host another transfer this weekend and it should be considered a priority.
Virginia Tech to host New Mexico safety Christian Ellis
With the talent lost in the secondary in the portal, Virginia Tech will be hosting New Mexico transfer Christian Ellis, a safety who had 99 tackles and a pick for the Lobos this season. Virginia Tech offered Ellis on Dec. 17 according to his X account. He is an All-Mountain West defensive back.
With Covil, Jr. already committed, Virginia Tech could use another commitment or two in the secondary, which makes Ellis a potential priority with other players committing to other schools. Arizona and Utah State are also reportedly in the mix for Ellis.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — — Donovan Dent finished with 40 points for New Mexico in a 78-71 victory over VCU on Wednesday night.
Dent added five rebounds for the Lobos (9-3). Nelly Junior Joseph scored 15 points while shooting 5 of 11 from the field and 5 for 8 from the line and added 11 rebounds. Mustapha Amzil shot 5 of 12 from the field and 5 of 7 from the free-throw line to finish with 15 points, while adding eight rebounds.
The Rams (9-3) were led by Max Shulga, who recorded 20 points and two steals. Phillip Russell added 13 points for VCU. Joe Bamisile also had 12 points and two steals. The Rams broke a five-game winning streak with the loss.
New Mexico took the lead with 11:11 to go in the first half and never looked back. The score was 37-30 at halftime, with Dent racking up 15 points. Dent scored 25 points down the stretch in the second half to help lead New Mexico to a seven-point victory.
NEXT UP
New Mexico’s next game is Saturday against Colorado State on the road, and VCU hosts William & Mary on Sunday.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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