Former development director found dead

By Eric Maddy
The SCORE

Art Corsie, a former director of Rio Rancho’s development department during a period of explosive growth in the late 1990s and earlier this decade, was found dead Friday in a vehicle along the western edge of the city. He was 59.

Corsie’s time in office ended in controversy when he not allowed to offer recommendations about a proposed Wal -Mart along N.M. 528 at Corrales Road because of an alleged romantic involvement with one of the officers of the homeowners association protesting the development. He was transferred out of that position after 17 years of service by then (and current) city manager James Jimenez to a job as a recruiter for the city.

Corsie later left Rio Rancho to serve as city manager in Castle Rock, Colo., before returning to Rio Rancho in recent years.

Mayor Tom Swisstack said he spoke to Corsie after the mayor’s neighborhood meeting on Thursday night a Maggie Cordova Elementary School.

“He looked good, and we talked for a few moments,” Swisstack said. “I think Art’s death will be a loss for this community. He was my development director when I was mayor from 1994-98 and he was instrumental in moving the city forward at that time.”

Police department spokesman John Francis confirmed that “the body of an adult male that had suffered a medical episode” was found Friday off Southern Boulevard and 10th Street, but said he could not confirm an identity pending notification of next of kin.

“We’re not releasing any names at all,” Francis said. “All we are saying is that the body of an adult male was found that suffered a medical episode yesterday and that is it. Until we talk to all of the person’s family we’re not releasing any names.”

Francis said police responded to a call about an apparently abandoned vehicle and discovered the lone body inside the vehicle.  He said there was no outward signs of foul play and the body had been taken to the Office of the Medical Investigator for an autopsy.

Francis said a police report probably would not be available for five to seven working days.

Swisstack and former city councilors Arturo Boniello and Howard Balmer said the vehicle was found near an area of open space where Corsie liked to run for exercise.

Swisstack said he didn’t know about Corsie’s next of kin but that former co-workers might get involved with planning funeral and/or memorial ceremonies.

“Nobody knows (about next of kin),” Swisstack. “Until we find out what were the exact issues with him, we’re not sure which direction we’re going to go. I know we’ll work collectively to try to make sure we has good services. We’ll have to see about next of kin.”

Though no official confirmation of the identity of the body was released, the word on the city’s so-called “Tortilla Telegraph” was already out. Several former and current city officials and leaders expressed their shock over the news of Corsie’s death.

 “I always had a good working relationship with him and his employees,” Boniello said. “Obviously, it was a shock. I couldn’t believe it when they said he was 59. I didn’t think he was nearly that old and he was always in good shape.”

“It’s a shock,” said city councilor Mike Williams. “He was always a can-do guy who would get things done.”

Added Balmer: “Needless to say I was shocked last night when I got the phone call. Irrespective of what some people think, he had a huge impact and imprint on the way the community is and where we are. With that in mind, this is the passing of someone who meant a great deal to the community.

Jimenez declined specific comment, saying,  “I’m not ready to do that until I’ve been told by the (police) chief that they’ve contacted his family.”

WILL BE UPDATED AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.