COVID-19 claims life of Monticello native

COVID-19 claimed the life of a Monticello native on May 12 when Felix Montano passed away in Flagstaff, AZ.

Although he left Monticello more than a decade ago, Montano, age 52, is a familiar face to many San Juan County residents. 

After leaving employment at Blue Mountain Foods, he worked at several locations in Cortez, CO, including Walmart, Albertsons, and Wendy’s.

Montano last updated his Facebook profile photo on March 21 with the words “I can’t stay home, I’m a grocery store worker.”

A group of friends have initiated a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for Felix’s family. Reports are that his sister Shirley and brother Andy have also been exposed to the coronavirus.

After their diagnosis, Felix and Andy were quarantined in a motel in Flagstaff. Felix passed away alone in the motel room without ever visiting a hospital.