Grandfather of 7 Dead in New Mexico Wildfires: ‘Hope He Didn’t Suffer’ ArticlePure

At least two people, including a grandfather of seven, have died as wildfires burn across New Mexico, according to local authorities.

New Mexico State Police said the two bodies were located in the village of Ruidoso on Tuesday, June 18, according to NBC News and FOX affiliate KSAZ-TV.

The body of the first victim was found inside a burned vehicle, per the outlets. The second body, belonging to 60-year-old Patrick Pearson, was found on the side of the road near his home.

Patrick had recently underwent surgery on his leg, according to Ruidoso News. He was attempting to leave the area as the fires grew, but could not get out of the area as the highways had already shut down, per the outlet.

The man, who was using a walker, appeared to try and escape on foot, but seemingly became overwhelmed by the fire’s smoke and died.

“I know he was in pain already with his leg being broken,” son Zach Pearson told the outlet. “I just hope he didn’t suffer for so long.”

Patrick sustained multiple burns to his body, and ultimately “succumbed to his injuries,” Wilson said, according to KSAZ-TV.

New Mexico State Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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“He is going to be greatly missed by our family, friends and the musicians!” wrote Patrick’s daughter, Hilary Mallak, in the description of a GoFundMe campaign for their family.

Patrick had lived in New Mexico for 35 years, ABC affiliate KVIA-TV reported. He was also a musician who performed at venues throughout the area.

“He is irreplaceable,” fellow musician Brendan Dawes told El Paso Times. “His voice was his signature, it was authentic. He also had a heart of gold.”

In addition to his children, Patrick was a grandfather of seven, including two children who “were recently born this past year,” according to his daughter’s comments on GoFundMe, where more than $12,000 has been raised as of Thursday, June 20.

“A lot of people know him, and I think we underestimated how many people know him,” Hilary told NBC affiliate KOB.

About 1,400 structures are believed to have burned down in wake of the South Fork and Salt Fires, according to Ruidoso News and the BBC.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a State of Emergency in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation on Tuesday morning, June 18, according to ABC affiliate KOAT.

The fires were followed by heavy rain on Wednesday, June 19, which the National Weather Service in Albuquerque said sparked flash flooding in several areas.