SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Saturday attended the funeral of Ernestine Romero, also known as Ernestine Saucedo, the Public Education Department employee and popular local vocalist who was tragically killed July 11 outside the Jerry Apodaca Building in Santa Fe. The governor issued the following statement after the service:

“The outpouring of love in the wake of this tragedy has been remarkable,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “In their grief, those who knew Ernestine have honored her memory beautifully. We have heard from superintendents, principals and educators from all over the state who reached out to share incredible stories about how helpful and gracious she was in her work with them. She made an incredible impact on the people she touched both through her work and through her music. The community mourns her loss, and I continue to pray for her family, friends and loved ones.”