d. Aug.30, 2026

Chanell Vigil, 17, of Costilla, New Mexico, passed away on August 30, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a love that will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, teammates, classmates, and community.
Chanell was a senior at Centennial High School, where she embraced every opportunity to be involved, make memories, and make the most of her high school years. She was a talented, dedicated, and hardworking student-athlete who participated in basketball, volleyball, track, and cheerleading. Of all the sports she loved, basketball held a special place in her heart. She also loved cheering on the boys after her games alongside her fellow cheerleaders, always bringing the same enthusiasm and energy that made her so special.

Chanell was more than an athlete. She was a bright and determined young woman who balanced high school and college classes while continuing to participate in the activities she loved. She had big dreams for her future and was excited about attending college after graduation and earning a degree in engineering. She had so much ahead of her, and she carried those dreams with determination and hope.

One of the many things that made Chanell so special was the love she had for her community. She believed in giving back, helping others, and contributing to the people around her. She understood the importance of being part of something bigger than herself, and she gave her energy, and heart to the people and community she loved.

Chanell was a loving, bright, and beautiful soul whose presence could never go unnoticed. She had a contagious smile and a laugh that could light up an entire room. Her smile was one of the things people will remember most about her, it had a way of making everyone around her smile, too. Chanell had a warmth and energy about her that drew people to her, and her loving heart touched the lives of so many.

She was known for her positive attitude, determination, enthusiasm, and loving personality. She brought energy wherever she went and gave her all to the things and people she cared about. Whether she was on the basketball court, running track, cheering from the sidelines, sitting in the classroom, or simply spending time with the people she loved, Chanell had a way of making her presence felt.

Though her life was far too short, Chanell made an unforgettable impact in the 17 years she was given. She was a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, friend, teammate, classmate, student, and so much more. She leaves behind a legacy of love, determination, joy, and a reminder to live life with passion and purpose.

Chanell’s dreams of college, engineering, and the many years ahead may have been left unfinished, but the dreams she carried, the love she gave, and the person she was will never be forgotten. Her life was a gift, her memory is a treasure, and she will forever be loved.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Billy Vigil Sr., and Everto Arellano; her grandmothers, Lucia Salazar, Marie Arellano, Albina Gallegos, and Cynthia Ortega; her uncle Donovan Vigil.

She is survived by her parents, Billy and Sinead Vigil; her birth mother Narcissa Ortega; her siblings Alianna Vigil, Giovanni Vigil, and Briella Vigil; her grandparents, Nick Vigil, Martha Archuletta, Loretta Salazar, Billy Salazar, Sara Fernandez, Narcisso Ortega; her great grandparents Ruth Vigil, Cipriano Salazar; her aunts, Connie Vigil, Naomi Salazar, Misty Vigil, Lolli Ordaz, Christine Vigil, Cindy Gallegos, Lorraine Trujillo, Angela Salazar, and Gina Vigil; her uncles, Dominic Vigil, Dominic Rael, Billy Salazar Jr., Mike Urioste, Kyle Ortega, Glen Vigil, Ronnie Trujillo, Vince Ortega, and Armando Fernandez; along with her extended family, friends, teammates, classmates, and all those fortunate enough to know and love her.

A Rosary Service was held on Sunday, September 13, at Sacred Heart Church in Costilla, New Mexico.
Funeral services were held on Monday, September 14, at San Luis School in San Luis, Colorado.
Chanell’s energy, smile, laughter, dreams, and beautiful spirit will live on in all of us. Chanell was deeply loved, and will never be forgotten.
Rest peacefully, Chanell. We love you forever.