Rep. Roger E. Montoya

From the Office of State Rep. Roger E. Montoya:

‘I am Thankful for Our Brave First Responders.’ –Rep. Roger E. Montoya

VELARDE – Early this morning, State Rep. Roger E. Montoya (D-Velarde) was in a single vehicle car crash while heading south bound on US-84/285, near Alcalde.

He was on his way to the New Mexico State Capitol for the legislative session when he hit a patch of ice, causing his truck to spin out of control and flip twice before resting at the bottom of an embankment. 

“It happened very quickly and was a violent experience,” said Rep. Montoya. “I was driving, hit a patch of ice, and the next thing I knew, I was flying through a fence and my truck was rolling. I was trapped inside my truck for nearly 35 minutes until our brave first responders cut my windshield and pulled me to safety.”

Rep. Montoya was transported to Española Presbyterian Hospital where he received “superior care from their wonderful medical team”. 

He was released a few hours later.

“The Representative is currently experiencing debilitating hip pain and is at home resting,” said his Chief of Staff Isaac Dakota Casados. “He will require careful monitoring over the next week, but hopes to return to the Roundhouse as soon as possible to champion his landmark rural infrastructure bill.”

Rep. Montoya said, “I am thankful to our brave first responders, the New Mexico State Police, our volunteer fire departments, EMS services, the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Department, tribal police, residents Harold and Pam Salazar, and concerned neighbors who provided aid. Our first responders are critical to public health and safety. It is deeply concerning that too many of these responders are severely underpaid or have to donate their time due to funding storages. As a legislator, I am committed to bridging this inequity and elevating their voices for a future career pathway.”
 

Rep. Montoya’s office said he is thankful for the outpouring of support and well wishes.