A Towaoc man was found dead at City Park in Cortez early on May 4, according to the Cortez Police Department.
Sebastian Yellow, 35, was found unresponsive by passersby southwest of the city pool, according to a police report. Police were notified at 6:45 a.m.
Montezuma County Coroner George Deavers said a blood test from Yellow showed high alcohol toxicity, which was ruled as the cause of death. No foul play is suspected.
Tara Walker, a friend of Yellow’s, said he had a cheerful attitude and loved his family.
“Sebastian was always a happy person,” Walker said. “I remember him always showing me pictures of his children and how proud he was to be their dad. He liked to joke around, and was helpful to others. I will miss seeing his smiling face.”
Police Lt. Andy Brock said three officers who were in contact with Yellow were quarantined and tested for COVID-19. All three officers tested negative.
“In these times, everyone we are in contact with is a possible COVID case,” Brock said.
Whether Yellow was tested for the coronavirus could not be released under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Deavers and Brock said.
Yellow’s half-sister and a friend told police they had been looking for him all night and last saw him about 8 p.m. on May 3 the night before, according to the police report. Yellow passed away overnight. The low temperature in Cortez on May 4 was 36 degrees.
The Ute Mountain Ute tribe reported on May 11 that four tribal members in Cortez have tested positive for COVID-19 and are in quarantine, according the tribe’s weekly community briefing on the Weenuche Smoke Signals Facebook Page.
