A wildland firefighter from Ranchos de Taos was killed early Wednesday (June 14) when a truck he was driving overturned and ejected him on Interstate 25 near Maxwell.
Ralph Aguilar, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 6:45 a.m. accident, State Police spokesman Lt. Jimmy Glascock said.
Aguilar was southbound, driving a Ford F-350 wildland firefighting truck when he drifted onto the shoulder and overcorrected, causing the truck to roll.
Glascock said Aguilar was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the truck.
Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday (June16) at Rivera Chapel. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Talpa Capilla. Arrangements are by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Aguilar was working on a private wildland firefighting crew contracted by the New Mexico Division of State Forestry.
"This is a tragic occurrence," State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware said. "Mr. Aguilar and the rest of his crew have been so vital in fighting fires all across New Mexico. We hate to see something like this happen when we lose a valuable member of our team. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family."
Aguilar is survived by a fianceé, a daughter, and many other family members and friends.
The crash is under investigation. Glascock said investigating officers are waiting on results of a toxicology report to see if alcohol was involved.
Age: 42
Cause of Death: Vehicle Collision
Rank: Firefighter
Nature of Death: Trauma
Classification: Wildland Contract
Emergency Duty: No
Incident Date: 06/14/2006
Duty Type: After
Incident Time: 06:45
Activity Type: Driving/Operating Vehicle/Apparatus
Death Date: 06/14/2006
Fixed Prop. Use: Street/Road
Fire Dept. Info:
Mexico Division of State Forestry
P.O. Box 1948
Santa Fe , New Mexico 87504-1948
Chief: Director Arthur Blazer
Initial Summary:
Firefighter Aguilar died from injuries received when the apparatus he was operating drifted onto the shoulder of the road where it appears steering overcorrection caused the vehicle to roll. It was reported that Aguilar was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the truck.
Reply With Quote