Ruidoso’s first wildfire victim is a beloved musician

The wildfires in Ruidoso are still displacing residents as it is estimated to have burned down more than 20,000 hectares and destroyed 1,400 structures and unfortunately claimed the life of one Ruidoso resident.

A beloved musician in Ruidoso, Patrick Pearson was known for his lively performances and generous spirit. According to close family and friends, he became a fixture in the community thanks to his bass playing and covers he sang at the local bar, Quarters.

Tragically, Pearson, 60, lost his life on June 17 or 18 when the South Fork Fire destroyed the village in the Sacramento Mountains. Firefighters discovered his body among the ruins of the Swiss Chalet Inn, where he had lived since moving from Albuquerque.

“He was a private person, but made friends everywhere,” says his daughter Hillary Mallak (36).

According to Ruidoso News, Pearson had packed a bag and planned to leave, but the fast-moving fire prevented his escape. His son, Zach Pearson, 33, last spoke to him on Father’s Day, hoping all was well when they couldn’t reach him.

Pearson’s legacy as a father, grandfather, musician and chef lives on in the memories of those who loved him. The family has set up a GoFund Me page to help the family pay for funeral expenses.

South Fork and Salt Fire updates:

By Wednesday afternoon, the South Fork Fire had scorched about 16,335 acres in the Ruidoso area, prompting a complete evacuation of all residents, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division.

Meanwhile, the nearby Salt Fire burned another 7,071 acres south of the village, leading to the evacuation of Ruidoso Downs the next day.

El Pasoans and people from other cities are coming together to help residents who were forced to leave their homes because of the fires.

Many companies ask locals to donate items to them companies so they can gather enough supplies to take to Ruidoso to help displaced residents in the area.

Urgently needed items include:

• Non-perishable foods
• Bottled water
• Baby supplies
• Dog and cat food
• Clothing
• Blankets
• Toiletries

Donation drop-off locations:

Socorro:

• City of Socorro: 705 Texas Ave, Socorro
• The Dog Stop: 9895 Alameda Suite 109, Socorro
• Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility: 1983 Joe R. Silva Boulevard

Probation and Parole Agencies in Southern New Mexico:

• Las Cruces: 2635 West Picacho
• Alamogordo: 1408 8th Street
• Deming: 920 South Silver
• Truth or Consequences: 411 East 3rd St. Suite 2

Roswell, NM:

• Roswell National Guard Armory: 1 W Earl Cummings Loop

Online donations:

Monetary donations can be made to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. In addition, the Mescalero Apache Tribe has set up a GoFundMe for fire relief.

The Community Foundation of Lincoln County is also accepting online donations to help fire victims.

Emergency shelters:

Evacuees from the Mescalero Apache Reservation should proceed to the Community Center Gymnasium. For assistance, contact the Emergency Operations Center at 575-258-6900.