Former Rio Arriba Sheriff’s died from ‘toxic effects of fentanyl and alcohol’

By Kevin Hendricks

The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator released a report Thursday that attributes the Easter death of Rio Arriba County Sheriff Billy Merrifield to an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and alcohol.

The 50-year-old Merrifield was found dead in his patrol vehicle near his home on Easter Sunday. The initial investigation by New Mexico State Police indicated an “unexpected” death.

The autopsy report released Thursday concluded that Merrifield died from the “toxic effects of fentanyl and alcohol.” His blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.071, and his fentanyl level was 23 nanograms per millimeter. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid known for its extreme potency, being 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, fentanyl was involved in 65% of overdose deaths in the state in 2023. However, overall overdose deaths in New Mexico have declined 8% since the peak in 2021.

Merrifield initially worked for the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office from March 2008 to April 2009. After holding various other jobs, he returned to the sheriff’s office in 2014 and progressed through the ranks. In 2021, he was appointed sheriff following James Lujan’s resignation due to felony convictions. Merrifield was subsequently elected sheriff in 2022, defeating five other Democratic candidates in the general election.

“Billy was a remarkable man and he was loved deeply by many. His passions included riding his Harley, skiing, and traveling, but most of all, he cherished time spent with family and friends,” according to Merrifield’s obituary. “Billy’s hard work and commitment to expanding and strengthening his department, made the county a safer place for all of us. He especially loved coaching and mentoring local youth, he made a lasting impression on many of our kids and was always willing to lend an ear and provide guidance when asked. His friends were his family and he loved and treated them as such.”