08/31/2026
There are moments when words simply don’t feel like enough.
Our community has been struck by a heartbreaking tragedy, and we are grieving the loss of one of our senior students a young person who was part of our community, our schools, and the lives of people who loved and cared for them.
This loss reaches far beyond San Luis. It touches families and friends throughout Costilla County and into Costilla and northern New Mexico. When something this painful happens there are no town lines, school lines, or community boundaries. There are simply people hurting, families grieving and neighbors trying to make sense of something that should never have to be endured.
Today, I am asking our community to do something simple, but deeply important. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. Hold them close in your heart. Give them grace, give them privacy, and surround them with the love and compassion they need in the days ahead.
I also want our students, parents, families, teachers, and community members to know that they do not have to carry this grief alone. Centennial School and Questa School are providing grief counseling and support for those who need it. If you are struggling, if your child is struggling, or if you simply need someone to talk to, please reach out. There is no shame in asking for help.
As difficult as this moment is, I hope it reminds us of something we sometimes lose sight of we need each other.
There is already enough anger, division, and hate in our communities. We don't need more of it. What we need now is compassion. We need to check on our neighbors. We need to hug our children a little tighter. We need to listen to one another. We need to put aside whatever separates us and remember what brings us together our families, our children, our schools, and our shared love for our communities.
Tonight, and in the days ahead, I ask that you hold not only this family in your heart, but all those who are hurting.
From San Luis to Costilla County, to our neighbors in Costilla and northern New Mexico, let us stand together as one community.
May we surround this family with love, lift them in prayer, and give them the strength to face the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Tiffany A. Gallegos
Mayor of San Luis
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