In Santa Fe, New Mexico, medical investigators have released findings stating that the death of a county sheriff in the northern part of the state was caused by the toxic mixture of fentanyl and alcohol. The autopsy results, which were shared with the public on Thursday, shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
Sheriff Billy Merrifield, aged 50 and serving Rio Arriba County, was discovered deceased in his patrol vehicle on Easter morning after a minor accident outside his home in Abiquiu. The death of the well-regarded sheriff, who was elected by the community in 2022 following an earlier appointment, prompted investigations by state police.
Forensic specialists from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator have ruled the incident as accidental, emphasizing the fatal consequences of fentanyl and alcohol consumption. This finding contributes to the growing number of opioid-related fatalities in the Española Valley and neighboring areas as fentanyl use continues to rise.
“It’s alarming for people to realize the presence and danger of fentanyl,” commented Leslie Hayes, a family physician based in Española with expertise in opioid use disorder treatment. “It’s genuinely frightening.” New Mexico often ranks high among Western states for drug-related deaths, though the figures showed a slight decline from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, fentanyl was a factor in 65% of overdose deaths across the state, according to data from the New Mexico Health Department.
Following this incident, Lorenzo Aguilar has been appointed by the Rio Arriba County commissioners to take over leadership of the sheriff’s office.