Michael Sutherland

Michael Allan Smiel Sutherland 6/3/1985-10/29/24 Born in Albuquerque, NM, Michael passed away in Santa Fe, NM. He is survived by his grandmother, Patricia Reales, his mother, Maria Sutherland, his father, Danny Smiel, half-siblings Adrian and Danielle Smiel, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and loved ones.

 Michael was a track and field athlete who attended Eldorado High School (EHS) and was voted Homecoming Prince his senior year. At EHS in 2002, he and his teammates held the State Record for the 1,600-meter medley relay at the NM State High School Track & Field Championships. In 2003, he was a regional record holder in the Great Southwest Track & Field Invitational for the 4 x 800-meter relay. He also broke the record for the 2003 Albuquerque City Track & Field Championships 800-meter race. Michael attended University of New Mexico (UNM) where he was the recipient of the UNM John Baker Track & Field Scholarship in 2003-2005. In 2006, Michael studied abroad for a year at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, and in 2008, he earned his BA in Psychology at UNM.

 Michael was charismatic, fun loving and had many friends growing up. His antics included dressing as a zookeeper and chasing a friend in a gorilla suit across campus. At UNM, he headed the Longboard Skate Club, and he also loved snowboarding and surfing. In 2007, Michael suffered a traumatic brain injury in a diving accident. This led to a diagnosis of schizophrenia and homelessness. Michael loved delicious food, especially New Mexico red and green chile and Grandma Pat’s New Mexican breakfasts. He loved his family, friends, animals, travel, photography, music, yoga, plant medicine, good books, and being in nature. 

His family will honor him at a private Celebration of Life. We love you, Michael! You are free now. Rest in peace.