Two dead in South Fork Fire, New Mexico State Police say

RUIDOSO, NM (KRQE) – A second person has died as a result of the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, New Mexico State Police confirmed Wednesday. State police also released the identity of one of the victims.

Police say 60-year-old Patrick Pearson was found dead on the side of the road with “numerous burns.” State police said they were asked to help with a dead man found near the Swiss Chalet Inn, 1451 N Mechem Road, on Tuesday, June 18.

That same day, during the Ruidoso fire, another person was found dead in the driver’s seat of a burned vehicle on Ranier Road. The NMSP Uniform Bureau arrived at the scene of the fire at approximately 11:57 a.m. State police said the victim is currently unidentified “as they are skeletal remains.”

No legible identification documents were found in the burned-out vehicle, state police added.

Anyone looking for relatives or friends who lost contact during the fire evacuations should call the Red Cross at 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767). After calling, select 0 from the menu to reach a Red Cross worker.