New Mexico sheriff found dead in Santa Fe hotel room

​​Curry County Sheriff Mike Reeves was discovered deceased in a Santa Fe hotel room on Monday, where he had traveled for law enforcement training. At 59, Reeves, survived by his two sons, Collin and Hayden Reeves, and a daughter, Avery Reeves, left a void in the community. The cause of death has not been immediately disclosed, but Undersheriff Michael Brockett assured that no foul play is suspected. An autopsy is scheduled with the Office of the Medical Examiner in Albuquerque.

The news of Reeves’ passing led to an outpouring of grief from officials and colleagues. Curry County Manager Lance Pyle expressed the community’s heartbreak, acknowledging Reeves’ significant contributions to the county. Brockett will temporarily assume the sheriff’s duties until the Curry County Commission appoints a successor.

Reeves, who ran unopposed for the sheriff’s position in 2022, had a distinguished career spanning over 35 years in law enforcement. He commenced his journey with the Clovis Police Department in 1983 and later retired from the Curry County Sheriff’s Department in August 2018. Following Sheriff Wesley Waller’s retirement, Reeves decided to run for sheriff and succeeded him.

Sheriff Reeves’ career was marked by both accomplishments and challenging moments. Notably, he was among the initial responders to the mass shooting at the Clovis-Carver Library in August 2017, where he demonstrated valor and received a citation for his courageous actions. Reeves also ventured into the medical field, becoming a registered nurse in 2008, inspired by his own experiences during a hospital stay as a child.

In a 2018 interview, Reeves shared two poignant memories from his law enforcement career. One involved receiving a life-saving medal in 2008 for aiding a choking baby girl, and the other was the harrowing experience of responding to the library shooting. Reflecting on these incidents, Reeves emphasized the significant impact law enforcement and medical professionals can have on people’s lives when motivated by a positive intent.

Sheriff Mike Reeves leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication, with his passing eliciting reflections on his meaningful contributions to the community.