Jacob Viarrial, the longtime governor of Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico, died of a heart attack during a trip to Mexico. He was 58.
Viarrial died in Ciudad Juarez. He previously suffered major burns on his body during a March 2003 trip there.
Viarrial was the tribe's leader for more than 20 years. He was remembered as tough but with a sense of humor. He brought the tribe into financial prosperity with a successful casino and hotel that is undergoing a $250 million expansion.
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Funeral Mass to be celebrated today for popular Pojoaque Pueblo leader (The Santa Fe New Mexican 6/29)
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Viarrial led pueblo for more than 20 years (AP 6/29)
Pueblo governor remembered as tough leader (AP 6/28)
Pojoaque Pueblo governor dies
(The Santa Fe New Mexican 6/28)
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Related Stories:
Longtime governor of New Mexico tribe passes on
(6/28)
Pueblo governor died of heart attack on trip to Mexico
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
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