Top Jalisco archaeologist dies too soon, leaves important legacy
- Details
- Published on Friday, 21 June 2013 15:09
- Written by John Pint
Archaeologist Carlos Lopez Cruz, 47, died in El Amarillo, a tiny community in the municipality of Amatitan, Jalisco, around 2 a.m. on May 4, during a local religious festival.
An argument had broken out in a cantina (bar) and it was Lopez who stepped between the antagonists, attempting to calm them down, with fatal consequences.
Lopez lived in the Valley of Santa Rosa, where local people fondly referred to him as “El Arqui.” He was so well liked in the area that shortly before his death he stated in an interview, “It’s true that Santa Rosa is a corridor for narcos, but I’m not worried because everybody knows me around here.”
Lopez worked with the National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) and was at the vanguard of archaeological studies in Western Mexico. He was also frequently called upon to investigate, evaluate and register newly found archaeological sites in Jalisco.
Because I am one of those people who occasionally report such sites to INAH, I had the pleasure of meeting Carlos years ago and seeing him in action.