GRANTS, NM – On November 2, it was announced by New Mexico State Police that a fatal accident had occurred on October 31 around 5:30 p.m. on State Road 6 near San Domingo Road in Laguna. William Archuleta, 20, was pronounced deceased at the scene following an accident.
During the investigation performed by NMSP they discovered that Archuleta was going at a high rate of speed while traveling westbound and was passing vehicles. Upon looking at marks on the road officers stated that it shows that Archuleta briefly went into the eastbound lane and immediately corrected. More marks on the road show that Archuleta applied breaks to prevent from going onto the westbound shoulder. Archuleta then entered the westbound shoulder and proceeded to roll the vehicle approximately three times before the vehicle rested on its roof. It was stated that Archuleta was ejected from the vehicle sometime during the rollover.
The airbag in the vehicle was deployed, but it was stated by NMSP that Archuleta was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, due to it being locked back. The apparent contributing factors of this crash according to New Mexico State Police was speed and inattention to the road.
The following is the End of Watch released by New Mexico Corrections Department for William Archuleta:
CO Cadet William Archuleta, End of Watch October 31, 2023 “With great sadness I write to inform you of the tragic passing of Correctional Officer Cadet William Archuleta. Following in the footsteps of his uncle, Lieutenant Victor Aldaz of the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility, CO Cadet Archuleta joined the New Mexico Corrections Department on September 25, 2023, as part of CO Class #394. He will be deeply missed and affectionately remembered by members of CO Class #394 as always being positive and supportive of everyone, having an awesome sense of humor, and as a person that treated everyone like family.” – Alisha Tafoya Lucero, Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Corrections Department
We are honored to share a message of remembrance from CO Cadet Archuleta’s Uncle, Lt. Victor Aldaz: “William had a bright future ahead of him with eagerness to graduate from the Corrections Academy and to start his career at WNMCF. He was driven by his love and devotion to his family, a testament to the kind, selfless, and ambitious person that he was. It is truly devastating that his life was cut short just as he was about to embark on this new journey to make a better life for himself, his future wife, and his beautiful new-born baby girl.
William had a contagious, outgoing personality, and he loved to stay active and play sports, specifically softball, with his brother and sister. His love for his family was a reflection of a kind and caring soul. William had a deep love and appreciation for his mom and dad and loved them so much. Every moment spent with William was filled with laughter, joy, and happiness.”
William Archuleta was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Please keep him and his family and friends in your prayers.