The communities of northern New Mexico are mourning the loss of off-duty police officer Anthony Martinez, who was killed on Friday, Oct. 17, when his motorcycle collided with another vehicle in Taos at the intersection of Albright Street and Paseo del Pueblo Sur.

According to Questa Mayor John Ortega, Martinez had served with the Questa Police Department since May of this year.
“This is a very sad and tragic day for the Village of Questa Police Department,” said Mayor John Ortega in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Martinez’s family. Our employees are like family and I pray for their safety daily. Anthony was a great addition to our team and family. Please keep Officer Martinez and all the QPD officers in your thoughts and prayers.”

Before joining the Questa department, Martinez worked for the Taos Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety.

Taos Police Lt. and spokesperson Stephen Ortega said the crash remains under investigation. The passenger of the second vehicle involved was transported to the hospital with undetermined injuries.

“This was a difficult day for our agency,” Lt. Ortega said. “We all knew Martinez personally and kept in touch with him, even after he left Taos Police. He was a good man, a hard worker, and a great police officer. We’re mourning this loss.”

Volunteer Questa Firefighter DJ Mandonado said the whole first responder community is feeling this great loss. “Anthony was a part of our motorcycle group, Los Vaqueros Acero. Our group is dedicated to suicide awareness for first responders. Every time we would go out riding motorcycles, he was always out with us. We will miss him.”

Mayor Ortega ordered all flags within the Village of Questa to be flown at half-staff until Martinez’s funeral on Nov. 1.