Gallup family upended by reckless driver gets help from community
It took just a few seconds late in the afternoon of Oct. 26 to turn the Hudgeons’ lives, household, and business upside down.
Ana and Ryan Hudgeons run RAH Photography, which often provides pictures of local high school games and community events for the Gallup Sun.
A white pickup truck sped through the neighborhood a little before 6 pm Oct. 26, crashed through their fence and took off a corner of their house.
Outside was one of the family dogs and inside were three more. The rest of the family members, including the Hudgeons’ daughter were all away at the time.
Ana Hudgeons said neighbors thought they smelled gas and called the Gallup Fire Department.
Crews did an assessment and only minor injuries were found.
The house was evaluated for hazards and the gas meter and utilities were turned off.
The Hudgeons’ have sustained numerous losses in this incident. While no lives were lost, Ana Hudgeons said some of the items destroyed are irreplaceable, including a grandfather clock inherited from Ryan’s grandmother.
Because their house is also the location for their business, RAH Photography, 938 Cerrito Dr., the Hudgeons lost camera equipment, an iPad, and other items that help them run their photography operation.
“There was something protecting us, but something needs to be done about the danger that is Cerrito Street,” Hudgeons said. “People drive down that street flying 60 miles an hour and it’s a curve and people don’t care.”
Hudgeons said the family needs video, justice, and donations.
Ana and Ryan Hudgeons are asking for video from anyone in the area of Red Rock hospital, Filipina, Burke, Ford Canyon, and Mossman.
One of their neighbors, Sabor Biggs, has set up a gofundme page to help the family recover. It can be reached at https://bit.ly/3vRDePt or by going to gofundme.com and searching for Help Ana and Ryan Hudgeons rebuild.
Insurance adjustors visited the home Oct. 27 and Hudgeons hopes to have some numbers from them within a week. She is currently waiting for a police report.
By Beth Blakeman
Managing Editor
