The Piñon Post reports that according to the New Mexico State Police (“NMSP”), the remains of two individuals who lost their lives amid the advancing South Fork Fire near Ruidoso, New Mexico, have been recovered.
One of the victims was identified as Patrick Pearson (60), a Ruidoso area musician who died while attempting to evacuate from the Swiss Chalet Inn, which has been completely destroyed.
Pearson was a highly-regarded musician with a deep connection to Ruidoso, where he regularly performed at venues such as Quarters Nightclub and Grill. His sudden passing has left the community mourning.
Regarding the second reported death, NMSP responded to a burned vehicle on Tuesday morning (6/18/2024) along Ranier Road, located south of Alto, New Mexico. The occupant’s skeletal remains were found in the driver’s seat, but have not yet been identified.
The Piñon Post article may be read in full HERE.
On June 19, 2024, Griffin Rushton, a reporter with KOB 4 News (Albuquerque, NM), posted videos on “X” (formerly Twitter) of the Swiss Chalet Inn destruction. It is heartbreaking. Rushton’s post may be viewed HERE.
CBS 12 News (West Palm Beach, FL), published an article yesterday (6/20/2024) about Patrick Pearson, and his family’s efforts to find him and assure his rescue from the Swiss Chalet Inn.
Pearson’s daughter, Hilary Mallak, told Reporter Salina Madrid (KFOX) that she “tried to reach out Monday once we saw that they were evacuating, getting closer to like the town and didn’t hear anything. The last time there was a fire there, he did update us like, ‘[h]ey, it’s kind of close, but I’m out here helping.’ He currently could not really help much because he had broken his leg about a week and a half prior and so he was not really very mobile.”
The CBS 12 News article may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, much has been written about the ongoing South Fork and Salt Fires, but the loss of life is particularly tragic. If you are willing, let’s pray:
Father, we ask that You would bring comfort to those who are hurting, mourning or scared about what the future holds, as these fires have already killed loved ones (and almost certainly some pets or livestock as well). Father, we ask for safety, wisdom and favor for all of the first responders and evacuees. We also ask for weather conditions that would continue to help quell the fires. May the peace that can only be found in Christ Jesus fill the hearts of the hurting, as we glorify Your name. We stand in faith, giving You all the praise, honor and glory, and ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The bible tells of the comfort the Lord gives us as we mourn:
Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)
“Blessed are those who mourn, [f]or they shall be comforted.”
The bible tells us of the peace, safety and restful sleep the Lord brings us, as we put our faith in Him:
Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; [f]or You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
The bible tells us that we can ALWAYS be assured of God’s faithfulness (even in times of tragedy):
1 Corinthians 1:9 (Amplified Bible)
“God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on], and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
And, the bible reminds us that we should always place our trust in God, who loves us more than words could ever express:
Psalm 91:2 (NKJV)
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; [m]y God, in Him I will trust.’”
John 17:20-23 (NKJV)
Jesus Prays to the Father – The Father Loves Us Just Like He Loves Jesus
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me [emphasis mine].”