Yahoo Finance 'Sweetest' EMT, 28, Dies in Snowboarding Accident in New Mexico
GoFundMe
A New Mexico community is mourning the loss of a 28-year-old EMT who died while snowboarding over Thanksgiving weekend.
According to KOAT, Jairo Hernandez was snowboarding at Sipapu Ski Resort on Saturday when he was involved in a fatal accident. Taos County Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe initially said Hernandez struck a tree, but the department is still completing an investigation into the incident, KOB4 reported.
"We do believe this was truly just an accident that caused him to die there at the mountain," Hogrefe said. "Preliminary investigation does not find any faults or omissions on the resort."
Resort officials told KOB4 that ski patrol arrived at the scene of the accident within minutes and administered aid to Hernandez, who was later pronounced dead after being transferred to a hospital. The Taos County Sheriff also confirmed to KOB4 that Hernandez was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Hernandez's funeral, and it has raised nearly $20,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
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"Those that have had the pleasure of meeting Jairo can attest to what a beautiful, special, bright person he is," organizers wrote. "Jairo was full of life, happiness, dancing, and laughter. His smile is still absolutely contagious and his SPIRIT was like no other."
"Jairo was one of a kind, honest, and had so much passion for his work in the ED and for life," they continued. "He was so brave and confident with his choices in the quality of life he wanted to live and the passions he envisioned for himself. During the hardest times that we have had to face as healthcare workers in the emergency department, he stayed positive, compassionate, and reminded us of our purpose."
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Campaign donors also remembered Hernandez for his kindness and positivity.
"Jairo was one of the sweetest guy we have met since living here in Rio Rancho," donors Roger and Mary Miller wrote. "He was a bright light on this earth. May his family have God's Peace and Comfort during this time of Grief."
