On Sunday, August 18, Questa felt resounding devastation as news spread of the untimely death of 15-year-old Questa High School Sophomore Amarissa “Missa” Cintas.
Amarissa was a daughter, granddaughter, niece, tia, sister, and best friend. She was a team manager for the Questa Wildcat Cheer team and adored her 1-year-old nephew Ayden.
Questa continues to grapple with grief and devastation, just one year following the death of 13-year-old Amber Archuleta, Missa’s cousin who was killed on July 28, 2023.
Social media posts circulated, ranging from community leaders to local non-profit groups sharing condolences and support for the local community. Vida del Norte Coalition posted on Facebook, which read in part, “Vida del Norte is committed to helping support our youth in their time of need and sorrow. We will do whatever is asked of us and whatever the kids ask of us. We are asking our community to open their hearts and minds and understand that our children are hurting.”
Questa Mayor John Ortega shared “I am saddened by the losses our community has had in the last couple of weeks, but deeply saddened for the loss of a youth in our community. Please pray for the family of this young lady. Please pray for our first responders as well.”
Rosie Turpin from Rosie’s Smokehouse offered students a supportive space to enjoy free coffee and cinnamon rolls for the community on their first day back to school after this tragedy occurred.
The Questa Independent School District expressed sorrow while showing support for their students. The district posted, “we are saddened about a recent loss to our school community. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students. Questa ISD has a School Crisis Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents/caregivers, and school staff at difficult times such as this. We have counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We encourage you, as parents/caregivers, to also feel free to use our resources.”
Nothing can bring back Missa Cintas, nor can any words change the tragedy which took place on that Sunday in the small village of Questa.
Now, all that’s left is looking at what CAN be done.
As a community, together we can give our youth safe spaces to feel heard, seen, and understood. We can allow them to feel sadness, anger, grief, and anxiety. Together, we can show them that they are safe and can learn how to process their emotions without fear of embarrassment, retribution, and repercussions. Our children need us to allow them to be kids, giving them space to make mistakes, space for support, and space for vulnerability while we remain their anchor in unconditional support and love.
If you need support and are in crisis, dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained professional.
