The communities of Questa and Red River are mourning the loss of Michael Medina, 25, who was killed in a single-vehicle car accident early Monday morning, Feb. 16, on the highway between Questa and Taos. Medina was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Medina worked at Bull O’ the Woods in Red River and was known throughout the area for his kindness and easygoing spirit. Friends and family members described him as a gentle, genuine soul whose smile and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Rachel Flores, Medina’s mother, said her family is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.
“I am Michael’s mom and my family and I thank you all for loving him,” Flores said. “He will be missed but never forgotten and I am proud that my son touched a lot of hearts.”

Devin Parker remembered Medina as “the most kind and gentle soul,” adding, “I never saw him mad.”
Spencer Seim said he met Medina while fishing in the area and recalled swapping flies along the river.
“He was always super excited to be fishing,” Seim said. “Such a sweet guy.”

Isaiah Goodreau, who said he had known Medina for about a year, described him as someone who “had a heart of gold.”
John Krimm said Medina’s presence had a way of lifting others up.

“Every single time I saw him, his smile put me in a better mood,” Krimm said.

Tatiana Voronko said Medina was her first close friend after she moved to town.

“Mike was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever known,” Voronko said. “He had the biggest heart, the warmest smile, and he made life so much fun just by being in it. … He made me feel welcome, accepted and never alone.”

Voronko said the two had recently celebrated his birthday together.

“It doesn’t make sense that someone so good, so sweet and so full of light could be gone so soon,” she said. “Thank you for your kindness, your laughter and your friendship. You will always have a special place in my heart.”

Community members have continued to share tributes online, remembering Medina as a friend to everyone he met and someone whose kindness left a lasting mark on Red River and Questa.