Jerimiah Gorham, a dedicated individual who works seven days a week to support his household, was recently involved in a near-fatal rollover accident in Jemez Springs, reportedly while attempting to avoid a head-on collision. The crash left several individuals with severe injuries, turning lives upside down in an instant.
Among the victims is Devin Owen, who, despite suffering a broken back, bravely managed to walk up the river bank to call for help after the incident. Heartbreakingly, six cars reportedly drove past the scene without offering assistance. Owen’s 6-year-old daughter was also in the vehicle and sustained a broken nose and lacerations. Porfirio Benavidez also suffered a broken back in the crash. Two other individuals received minor injuries, and one suffered a busted tooth.
The road to recovery for Jerimiah, Devin, Porfirio, and the others involved will be long, with Jerimiah’s brother, Erik Beacham, estimating it will be months before they are able to return to work. “We’re proud people, don’t like asking for help. But we need help,” shared Erik, emphasizing the dire situation and the potential for widespread suffering without community support.
To address this urgent need, Erik Beacham has set up a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Jerimiah and Crew Heal After Crash.” The campaign seeks to provide crucial financial assistance for medical expenses, living costs, and other necessities as the victims navigate their recovery. The community is urged to visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jerimiah-and-crew-heal-after-crash to contribute and share the link widely.
In a heartwarming display of local initiative, Raymond Sandoval will also be contributing to the fundraising efforts. Raymond plans to sell Cota at the upcoming Jemez Valley Farmers Market. Cota, also known as Indian Tea or Greenthread, is a plant traditionally used for various purposes in the Southwest, including making a refreshing and medicinal tea. By offering this local favorite, Raymond aims to raise additional funds to directly benefit the crash victims. The Jemez Valley Farmers Market typically runs on Saturdays from July to September, and the community is encouraged to stop by and support this thoughtful endeavor.
The outpouring of support from the Jemez community highlights its resilience and the deep care residents have for one another. As these individuals face a challenging journey to recovery, every donation, every shared link, and every purchase at the farmers market will make a significant difference in helping them heal and rebuild their lives.
June 11th, 2025 by Erik Beacham, Organizer
All of the crash victims have been released, with exception of Porfirio Benavidez, who had the most serious injuries. He may be there for some time. UNM Hospital for anyone who wishes to visit.
