SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Family, friends and colleagues have gathered in Santa Fe to remember New Mexico Health Secretary Retta Ward.
Gov. Susana Martinez was among those at the memorial service Wednesday. The governor ordered flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in honor of Ward.
The executive order cited Ward’s dedication to the people of New Mexico and her passion and quiet confidence in bringing people together in hopes of improving public health across the state.
Before being appointed health secretary in 2013, Ward led the state’s Aging and Long-term Services Department.
Authorities suspect the 62-year-old Ward died of a medical episode while she was driving on the city’s northern side last week. She was found unresponsive inside her vehicle after it went off the road.
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