Monday afternoon, smoke was reported coming from a culvert tunnel under Interstate 25 adjacent to Tortugas Arroyo and just north of Wells Street. The NMSU Police and Fire Departments responded and found the remains of an unknown individual inside the partially blocked culvert.
A joint team is investigating the situation, including the New Mexico State Police, NMSU Police Department, NMSU Fire Department and New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. The New Mexico Department of Transportation is also coordinating with the investigating team.
At this point there is no indication of a threat to the greater university community. The investigation into the identity of the individual and the cause of death are still underway and will last at least into Tuesday at the scene. As a result, we ask community members to take alternate routes around this section of Triviz Drive while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information regarding what may have led to this situation or the identity of the person found is asked to please contact the NMSU Police at (575) 646-3311.