Former Mescalero Apache Tribal President Killed In Car Crash

TULAROSA, N.M. (AP) – Former Mescalero Apache tribal President Sara Misquez has been killed in a sport utility vehicle crash.

State police say Misquez, who was 62, was alone when the eastbound SUV she was driving crashed yesterday on U.S. 70, about a mile east of Tularosa.

Sergeant Andrew Tingwall says the SUV veered into the median, returned to the roadway, slid broadside and rolled 2-and-a-half times.

Misquez became president of the tribe in mid-1999 and won a special election in January 2002. She was defeated in the tribe’s November 2003 election.

Misquez ran again last year for president, but was defeated by Carleton Naiche-Palmer.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

“President Misquez led the Mescalero Apaches with honor and dignity,” Governor Richardson said.

“On behalf of all New Mexicans, I send my sincere condolences to President Misquez’s family and friends.”