Fourth open field death this month

Gallup police learned about a person described as “down and out” about 2 pm April 21.

When public service officers were sent to the scene at 714 S. Second St., the man was not breathing. Medical professionals were called and determined that the man was deceased.

Gallup Police Department Captain Erin Toadlena-Pablo said the male, whose identity, age, and ethnicity have not yet been determined, was sent for autopsy.

She said at that point it will be possible to determine if there was any foul play.

Toadlena-Pablo said this is the fourth open field death this month and emphasized that in the case of an open field death, it is not possible to say if the deceased died of exposure.

The first open field death was on April 4 at 1301 E. Hwy. 66, outside Penny Pincher’s. The man was autopsied.  He was identified 57-year-old John Grandal, homeless, and his death was believed to be related to a medical issue.

The second body was found at 1304 U.S. Hwy. 491. He was identified as Nathaniel Yoe, age 39, of Fort Defiance, Ariz. His cause of death is still pending autopsy results.

The third body was found April 17 across from Long John Silver’s, 1514 E. 66th Ave. The man’s body was sent for autopsy. No name or age is available.