New Mexico
Sandia climber speaks out following rescue
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Earlier this month, KOB 4 told you about a rescue in the Sandia Mountains where a woman fell more than 30 feet during a mountain climb and was rushed to the hospital.
Now, that woman is speaking with us about her experience, the road to recovery and the unique perspective she brings.
Cassandra Aguirre has been climbing for more than a decade. This climb in particular she does every year, but the mountain wasn’t on her side this time.
Aguirre has been going on outdoor adventures since college, chasing and climbing waterfalls any chance she gets. Her love for the outdoor community even pushed her to become a mountain rescuer herself.
“The reason I do rescue is because it is my community that we go out for. It means a lot to me to be able to give back to that community because they have given so much to me,” said Aguirre.
This month, however, she found herself on the other side of things, needing to be rescued.
“This is what we call ‘traditional rock climbing’ where there isn’t anything in the rock for protection. You bring your gear with you and as you climb up, you find places to slot protection into, and then you clip your rope that you brought with you into it,” Aguirre said.
On Saturday, Aug. 3 she reached the top of her climb and was about to anchor her rope to a tree when suddenly:
“The rock broke, and sometimes you have no control over what the mountain gives and what the mountain takes,” said Aguirre.
Aguirre fell more than 30 feet and tore every ligament in her knee.
The New Mexico National Guard and a handful of rescue crews, including her own, rushed her to UNM hospital.
“To me, seeing them in the sky meant that it would be OK. Without them, we aren’t sure that I would have a leg today,” Aguirre said.
A teacher by day, Aguirre says it’s her community that’s getting her through this hard time.
“My Volcano family, we say at Volcano that no hawk stands alone and that is true, I know I am not alone in this journey because of the outpouring of support that is coming to me from Hawk Nation,” said Aguirre.
Aguirre is expected to have an extensive surgery in November to replace all four ligaments in her knee. She is also on sabbatical from Volcano Vista while she recovers.
There is a GoFundMe page to help Aguirre with medical and rehab costs.
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.
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