New Mexico

Sandia climber speaks out following rescue

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2024

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.

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New Mexico

New Mexico veteran cemetery coming to Carlsbad via $8M in federal funds – Carlsbad Current-Argus

Published

17 minutes ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico veteran cemetery coming to Carlsbad via M in federal funds – Carlsbad Current-Argus

Mack Dyer salutes the American Flag during a ceremony, Feb. 25, 2026 at the American Legion in Carlsbad. Adrian Hedden | Carlsbad Current-Argus

Adrian Hedden Carlsbad Current-Argusachedden@currentargus.com Mack Dyer served for 21 years in the U.S. Army. He fought in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi…

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New Mexico

New Mexico spoils Nevada’s Senior Day as Lobos leave Reno with 63-56 win

Published

12 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico spoils Nevada’s Senior Day as Lobos leave Reno with 63-56 win

The Nevada women’s basketball team dropped its final home contest of the 2025-26 season on Saturday with New Mexico spoiling Senior Day and pushing past the Wolf Pack for a 63-56 win.

The Wolf Pack led 36-34 at halftime behind a hot-shooting start. Skylar Durley, Imbie Jones and Ahrray Young each had six points as Nevada shot 14-of-25 from the field (56%). But things cooled off in the second half, with the Lobos outscoring the Wolf Pack 19-13 in the third quarter to take a four-point lead into the fourth. Nevada’s shooting woes only worsened in the final period when it made just three field goals, including none in the final four minutes.

Durley led Nevada with 16 points and six rebounds. Young finished with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Wolf Pack made just one three-pointer out of its nine attempts.

The loss drops Nevada to 9-20 overall, 5-14 within the Mountain West Conference. The Wolf Pack now heads to Utah State for Tuesday’s regular-season finale before opening the Mountain West Tournament play next Saturday in Las Vegas.

Watch our coverage of the game below.

Highlights and reaction from Nevada’s loss to New Mexico.

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