'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.