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Fort Lewis graduate, activist dies in collision
3 children airlifted to Denver hospital
Herald Staff Writer
Photo by Courtesy of Sam Hotchkiss
Cassandra Yazzie-Hotchkiss and Jason Hotchkiss take a trip down the Animas River after their wedding in August 2007.
Memorial Fund
A memorial fund for the family has been established at Wells Fargo Bank in Durango. Donations should be made in the name of the Yazzie-Hotchkiss/Hotchkiss Memorial Fund.
Letters, cards or gifts can be sent to the children at 13123 East 16th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045.
For more information and directions to the burial, go to
Yazzie-Hotchkiss was married to Jason Hotchkiss, who was not in the vehicle. Three of the couple's young children - Noah Hotchkiss, Amada Hotchkiss and Dante Hawkins - were seriously injured in the crash, which occurred Monday afternoon near Colorado Highway 172 and County Road 311.
According to family members, a truck heading the other direction crossed into her lane near Oxford and collided head-on with her vehicle.
The accident investigation was being handled by tribal police with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Calls for information about the crash were not returned.
The three children were airlifted from Durango to Denver, where they were being treated at Children's Hospital.
Sam Hotchkiss, Jason's brother, said that Dante, who is in elementary school, suffered various broken bones and a head injury, which had prompted doctors to keep him in an induced coma while the swelling in his brain recedes.
Hotchkiss said the damage to Dante's brain was still being determined.
Noah, 11, suffered spinal injuries and currently has no movement in his legs, and Amada, 9, suffered a broken leg and arm and injuries to her face which required plastic surgery.
"Her prognosis is very good," Hotchkiss wrote in an e-mail.
Family members described Jason Hotchkiss as being "shattered" by the accident.
Yazzie-Hotchkiss graduated from FLC in May this year with a degree in political science.
While at the school, she started Small Axe, Small Steps, a group dedicated to working on environmental and social justice issues, particularly within Native American communities.
Chris Jocks, who was a faculty adviser for the group, said Yazzie-Hotchkiss had the unique ability to inspire people.
"She just had a way of really getting people involved. She would come up with really great ideas and then she'd just recruit people," he said. "Suddenly, we were spending all kinds of time on it."
Yazzie-Hotchkiss also had volunteered for Our Sister's Keeper, a tribal coalition that provides assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
In a statement heralding her accomplishments, the organization recognized Yazzie-Hotchkiss' rise from a hard-scrabble youth that included foster homes and living on the streets in Albuquerque.
"What drives a person to continue to pursue her goals even when the odds are against her? It takes a special person to do just that, and Cassandra Yazzie-Hotchkiss was that survivor who conquered all the evils and became a wonderful human being," the statement said.
In her graduation announcement she wrote, "One day long ago, I shouted out in desperation to the world for guidance and direction. Today, I know where I came from and how I got there."
Yazzie-Hotchkiss and Hotchkiss, a former river guide who has been in Durango for more than a decade, came to their marriage in August 2007 with children from previous marriages.
Before her death, the couple had been working on the Four Rivers Institute, an organization that aims to empower Native American students through professional adventure training. Hotchkiss is the executive director.
Yazzie-Hotchkiss will be buried at her uncle's ranch in New Mexico. A service will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday. A reception will be held after at 2 p.m. at the Red Rock Chapter House outside of Gallup.
kburford@durangoherald.com'>kburford@durangoherald.com
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From the Sunday edition of the Durango Herald.
Durango Herald Calendar of Events
Saturday, November 28, 2009
at 10:45:53 AM
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Jenny says...
I had not heard of Ms. Hotchkiss's commitment and dedication to improving the lives of others until this tragic story. This must be an incredibly devastating loss to the community and to her family. They are in my prayers. I can only hope her life inspired others who have or are overcoming the hardships so many face in this area - she seems like an amazing woman.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
at 8:34:58 AM
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norman p brown says...
Oh wow...what can I say...or what can one say? When one loses a great dear little sister? What can one do when ones heart is so sad with the painful memories of sharing one's laughter, prayer, and humor with a loved one who is no longer on this earth. What does one do? One becomes strong with the memory of dedication and committment of Caassandra's love for her people and land. To my dear brother Jason, Much love and healing I send to you. Sending good prayers to my little sisters family. I also pray for the recovery of our precious children to heal. Her work committment and dedication to her culture, land and people will carry on in all I do for the rest of my days, as her special soul has moved me to love my people and land more! We will miss you "dear little sister".
Friday, November 20, 2009
at 9:28:25 PM
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Miche says...
Our Prayers are with you, Jason and the CHildren.
Friday, November 20, 2009
at 2:54:30 PM
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tahskiska says...
casandra was always a contender never a pretender the sister could turn the light on when she entered the room, never was into the gossip as she taught to infinity and beyond. May the fort lewis community remember her as the warrior of a lady that she trully was and i will always keep in mind the wisdom of the elders who once said " death will surely come , always out of season" she walks in beauty and i am sad.
Friday, November 20, 2009
at 1:10:47 PM
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kendrena says...
hey jason sorry bout da kids hope dey get well soon it suk 2 lose sandra:(. imma keep on prayin 4 ur kids. jus remember ur always part of our family. im sooooo soooory.
Friday, November 20, 2009
at 12:20:50 PM
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Blueberry says...
I can't imagine the obstacles that your family is having to overcome right now. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Casandra was a beautiful person and touched so many people, we will remember her forever
Friday, November 20, 2009
at 10:59:29 AM
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Alice Robbins says...
Jason - words cannot express the sadness I feel after hearing about Cassandra and your children. I do pray that all of the kids recover very soon. My heart goes out to you, your family, and Cassandra's as well. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:45:45 PM
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Shoshone says...
Dear Jason, I wish your kids good thoughts. I hope the kids are ok. I will pray for you and your family. May God be with you. Your friend Shoshone.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:00:40 PM
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patricia says...
the native community lost a wonderful person. my prayers go out to her family.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 8:34:23 PM
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Jennifer Morse says...
This article brought tears to my being. It saddens me when death occurs in a manner that just in so understood. I pray that the Divine Spirits and God watch over this family and these children that are struggling for their own personal lives. My family and I pray for your family. Warm Regards, Herb Lady of Durango Family, Jennifer PreVost-Morse, Jarod Morse, Ernest Sinclair & John PreVost.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 8:16:13 PM
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Darlene Redmond says...
My Heart goes out to your family, losing a loved one is so painful , i did not get a chance to meet Cassandra i know that the good Lord will have a special place fo her in heaven everything that happens is for a reason and a purpose this is what God told me when i lost my mother at 14 years old, like a beautiful garden we will all be planted just at different seasons. I will pray for you and your sweet children i am so sorry that they were in this accident i know the Good Lord will give them a speedy recovery for JESUS loves the Children.
Love and Prayers- Darlene Inside Durango TV.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 7:49:42 PM
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Sandra B says...
My heart is so saddened for this family's loss. I saw the article and read how this strong, vibrant and brave woman overcame obstacles in her youth to rise above it all, it just broke my heart. Then I read further and I could not contain my tears. Why is such a brave soul taken away from the world? Someone who actually put others before herself? Because she knew what it meant to really care. She cried out in desperation for guidance when she was young and somehow she found it. After that she spent her last days fighting for other young lost souls. I like to think she would have fought for all of us, given time. She had a wise soul and I will miss this courageous woman I was never granted the honor of meeting.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 5:05:18 PM
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Elaine says...
I lots my brother on that stretch of road 5yrs ago. People in that area have probably seen the cross & flowers that I and my family from ABQ tend to. We had a C-DOT sign made to remind everyone to slow down. It is in loving memory of Thomas B. Aragon....How many more lives have to be affected forever because the money is being spent on the Bridge to Nowhere,instead of used to fix a known deadly road way.
If it is not blood that is shed then the tears of those left behind that will try to make a difference.
To the family, I know that words can help, but nothing can help the hurt but remembering how that person helped you. It can be there smile, laugh, twinkle in there eyes, there hugs, kisses and love that you were blessed to have for alittle while. Take care .... they are watching
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 2:59:43 PM
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Elouise says...
Such a great loss to all of us that knew this wonderful sister Cassandra! Kass and her children visited us at our camp at Dooda (NO) Desert Rock many times. During that time we shared many stories and our activism work and became very close friends. She was a wonderful person and hurts so much to try to comprehend that she is gone.
My prayers & hugs to Jason, his kids and all relatives & friends.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 2:54:09 PM
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AH says...
To the Hotchkiss family & friends my thoughts and prayers are with you. Cassandra was a wonderful person and will be missed. My prayers are with the children and I'm sure Cassandra is already watching over them.
To La Plata County: Let this be a wake up call. You need to do something before more lives are lost. Disregard that the other driver crossed over, this corner was already dangerous enough. My family and I go through this corner everyday, day and night. We have enough to worry about with wildlife near that area anyway. Please do something!
To the other drivers out there: If we all work together we can avoid accidents like this in the future. La Plata County may not do or be able to do anything at this point, but WE can. Please watch for other traffic/wildlife in that area. And please do not drink & drive.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 2:42:37 PM
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Johnnie Grooms and Family says...
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. One of my children goes to school with the youngest boy. I feel the need to help you and your family any way I can. If any one would like to help this family in their time of need and support please call me at 884-9576. We need to be a community that comes together and raise money any way possible for them. Including bake sales our local businesses ect. Again, I am truly sorry for your loss and what pain you are all going through. I will keep you all in my thoughts and I hope that all the children recover soon. I do agree that the road in Oxford also does need some major fixing before not after another horrific accidant occurs!!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 2:39:36 PM
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sara says...
This tragic lose overwhelmes me with great sadness. Its amazing in one blink of an eye a loved one can be gone. Please charish every moment you have with your loved ones and live life to the fullest because one never knows whats going to happen. My family's prayers go out the the Yazzie-Hotchkiss family. May you get through these hard times and may all your wounds heal. God bless!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 2:30:19 PM
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Raquel says...
After reading this tragic story my heart hurt im sad for the 2 families involved in this tragic scenery and i pray for the children affected by this. I hope they pull thru and recovery. I'm saddened to know a young lady who made a difference who came from struggling to overcome the hardship to being a leader and with one mistake she was taking. I worry all the time when i get on the road, I may be the safest driver but its the other person you have to worry about. People really need to slow down and take time to becareful out on the roads. I to am a mother of 3 and it worries me everytime i go out on the road and i hope something does get done about this. This is a great loss to our community I seen the ambulance that tragic day going on 172 the first thing that came to mind was oh god who is it now. I have such great family when news got out that it was a head on i was getting calls "where are you". It just a saddness knowing these babies are not going to have there mother there to guide them. I too lost my mother at a young age same situation car accident i was only 9. So with that said I pray for these people in mourning.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 1:28:20 PM
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BMV says...
It just amazes me that life can be so altered in just a split second.
My thought and prayers go out to this family and I ask God to bless all the little ones and to give them the strength to overcome their injuries and their loss of a Mother!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 1:03:39 PM
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Missy Wright says...
My thoughts and prayers are with Jason and the family. We can only pray together to overcome this tragedy.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 12:56:59 PM
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Matt says...
@ Jasmine: I completely agree with your comments. As you say, its time to improve things roadwise around here, and not wait until consequences like these have been suffered.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 12:49:41 PM
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sgv says...
I had the sincere honor of meeting Cassandra this past summer. I have known Jason for years and am related to his children. My heart goes out to all of you--I am so overwhelmed with grief over the loss of this vibrant,loving young woman and the injuries to the children. God Bless this family.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 11:49:10 AM
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Keath says...
...so painful to hear of the loss of this sister. My heart aches for the family and I pray that they will heal.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 11:35:34 AM
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Valerie says...
I also graduated from Fort Lewis College in May. Cassandra was in my tennis class and we always played together. I'll always remember her that way. In the sunshine playing tennis with me and giving me some serious competition. She'll be greatly missed.
My prayers go out to her, those beautiful children and Jason.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 11:33:03 AM
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jasmine says...
@ Matt Yoder- even with people who have a license to drive; they aren't necessarily able to do so in a safe manner. I'd like to see some major improvements on roads in the area. Center dividers would be good, as well as more clearly marked center lines (with the bumps you can see at night) would be a good start. Also some new signs; a lot in the area are dirty and faded and almost impossible to read at nighttime. This all costs money, but so do accidents.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 11:29:00 AM
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lee carson (cheyenne) says...
Our young are called far to early to other important missions by our creator; While here, they inspire, lead, and provide hope to us all.
I hope others will be touch by this remarkable young lady and her accomplishments.
May her family know their loss is shared with many others.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 11:08:27 AM
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Stephanie says...
My prayers are will all of the families and the children affected by this horrific accident. May there be healing, peace and wellness physically and spiritually as you all begin to move forward from this.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 10:41:56 AM
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Sarah says...
I am sorry for your loss, she sounds like she was a GREAT person. Take care.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 10:30:13 AM
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TJ says...
My heart goes out to the Hotchkiss & Yazzie families - as well as Cassandra's & Jason's friends. I'm deeply saddened by this tragedy & I pray that the healing begins with the children & all those who were affected by this.
I have to agree with Tammy - I live close to Oxford too & I take CR 513 (Oxford north county road from the sharp turn that Cassandra lost her life on) every day to work & going home. EVERY DAY, I watch cars zoom through that turn - and I've seen where some cars & trucks come to a screeching halt because someone like myself, are turning onto the county roads 311 & 513, because they're going too fast, distracted, etc. There's been numerous accidents there & several fatalities. What's it going to take before something is done there!?! C-DOT and/or county: post some signs!, something that gets these drivers attention to SLOW DOWN. Now that there is a trucking company just right north of that turn on CR 513? It poses a problem - and for those truck drivers' safety as well, this needs to be addressed! It angers me so much now that such a beautiful talented & gifted woman & loving mother is gone. DO SOMETHING C-DOT & LaPlata Co.!!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:52:37 AM
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Mike Hendricks says...
We share in the sadness in Cassandra's passing. She and Jason welcomed us to their home after the "TRAIL OF HOPE Native Youth Conference" -with a group of Aboriginal special friends from Yarrabah Australia last summer. Our Creator's blessings were abundant as we shared some life together. I'm asking for peace and healing from this very hard experience for everyone. We all were so blessed by her and the whole family; as we share life blessings, we also offer love and grace now to live in honour of our sister who has passed, Cassandra has been a great example. Ah hee' t'a nool'tso, Diyin nihil daholo'go.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:47:58 AM
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Dannell Miller & Family says...
We pray for your family and hope that you know the strength she had will continue to live.
Our family crossed her path during our time at Fort Lewis College and we are so grateful to have known her and we are saddened by the lost of Cassandra. I remember talking with her during the times we rode the bus together to get on campus. We prayer for her family and hope that everyone learns from this tragic loss.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:42:08 AM
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CC says...
It is such a sad thing when a child loses a parent to think what that child is going to have to go through, and for the husband as well. You have several people praying for your children to make a full recovery from their injuries. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:41:05 AM
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Chassitty says...
This is still a shock for the people who crossed her path! Jason and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers! She was an awesome woman with a huge heart, she will be greatly missed by many!!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:20:42 AM
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Tammy says...
I am so sorry to hear about this families loss, I have been a substitute teacher for these children, they go to school with mine. Cassandra sounded like a very beautiful women with a beautiful soul, something that is rare these days. I live a couple of miles from where this accident occured and I sat in my vehicle at the scene for over an hour in fear that it might be someone I knew, which it was.
My question is "How many lives is that stretch of road going to have to take before somebody does something about it?" From that curve all the way to my house, including my driveway (from the oxford curve to the 13th mile marker) this is a bad stretch of road, there have been so many deaths and critical accidents here. What GOVERMENT family member is going to have to be lost before that road gets fixed or patroled more. We need to become a close community and get someone to be our voice and make a stand. The oil field trucks run up and down this road speeding, on there cell phones, with out a single care in the world, I have personally called in about 10 in the last 2 years, as well as almost getting hit by a water truck in my own drive way, But guess what--- they broomed that under the carpet and told me I was at fault for being stopped in the road to turn into my driveway - the Police dept. wouldn't do anything because when they got out there to look at the road (3 days later) there were no marks from his breaks. This is crazy- We need to do something. Please lets make a stand before we lose more beautiful people like Cassandra.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:20:25 AM
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jed says...
May the Grace of God fill your being to get you thru this tragic loss
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 9:09:27 AM
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Jason & Tennille says...
We pray for jason and his family. What a sad loss, to such good people.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 8:29:56 AM
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Kayla says...
Though this community can't replace the mother and wife this family has lost, we can and will come together to support and comfort Jason and his hurting children. Get your "work clothes" on folks, it's time to help out.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 8:09:09 AM
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Matt says...
How many "accidents" that occur from someone crossing into opposing lanes of traffic are we willing to accept in our community? How many times has this been given as the reason for fatality casing accidents this year alone? More attention needs to be paid in our community to who we allow on our roads, and what punishments they receive as a result of their crimes.
State wide it was recently reported over a quarter million drivers in CO do not have the right to drive, and they account for over 25% of all fatality accidents in CO. Why is this such a low priority? We even rank behind NM when it comes to our citizen's driving skills. Are we a third world entity now as a state? What are we going to do to address this situation? Just let it get worse?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 7:33:47 AM
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Amanda says...
So sad to hear the loss. Our hearts go out to those who loss! She seemed remarkable!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 7:05:49 AM
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sk8r says...
Terrible loss for the community. Prayers for the survivors.