ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s a way to honor those who are unclaimed after death. Thursday was a day of remembrance and proper burial, some would not have received without help. “It’s like a funeral for a loved one. And we take these decedents, and we claim them, and we give them that proper burial that they deserve,” said Chamar Valdez, an operations manager with Bernalillo County.
Story continues below
- News:Former New Mexico lawmaker charged with fraud asks for another trial delay
- Trending:Gypsum Overlook: A sliver of southern New Mexico history from 9,000 years ago
- News:City of Albuquerque ups bus security and cleans streets ahead of State Fair
Since 2012, Bernalillo County has held indigent memorial burials. Those who passed are unclaimed by loved ones for two years. Each one was cremated and placed in a shared casket. This year, 171 people were laid to rest. A number that has grown over the years. “It’s grown, unfortunately. I was told that they started with two caskets. Now we’re up to four caskets, 171 individuals, Bernalillo County citizens,” said Valdez.
Some are not claimed by loved ones due to financial hardship. Others just don’t have someone to claim them. Under state law, they are to be buried, while also giving their loved ones time to claim them, and are to be done respectfully…