Missing Farmington Man Found Dead

Cavanaugh was last seen in Farmington on July 4, 2019. He was headed to Peoria, Arizona for a job but never arrived. Cavanaugh’s phone was last pinged in Payson, Arizona and a witness stated they saw him in Payson, but no other evidence supported that statement. Cavanaugh’s credit cards were used by two males in Payson, Glendale, and Peoria between July 5 and July 7, 2019.

From Farmington Police:

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The body of missing New Mexico man, Craig Cavanaugh, 44 of Farmington, was identified today in Coconino County, Arizona. Farmington police detectives have been working closely with both Coconino and Navajo County in their search for Craig since he went missing in early July.  Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Navajo County Sheriff’s Office are now taking over this case, as a death investigation. There have been two suspects identified in this case, and it is still an active investigation.

Cavanaugh was last seen in Farmington on July 4, 2019. He was headed to Peoria, Arizona for a job but never arrived. Cavanaugh’s phone was last pinged in Payson, Arizona and a witness stated they saw him in Payson, but no other evidence supported that statement. Cavanaugh’s credit cards were used by two males in Payson, Glendale, and Peoria between July 5 and July 7, 2019. Cavanaugh’s 2012 Toyota Tacoma truck was recovered on July 12, 2019. The males using the credit cards were identified by Farmington detectives working with Arizona law enforcement agencies. Craig Cavanaugh’s body was located by Navajo County and Coconino County deputies.

 

More from Local News

  • Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

    The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County.  Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.

  • *Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

     The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:

  • 90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

    The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.

  • Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

    Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside.  Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • Diné College Selects New President

    Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.

  • Lanier Announces 2026 run for NM Governor

    In 2020, Lanier was elected to the San Juan County Commission, and in 2024, he was elected State Senator for New Mexico's 2nd District. 

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sleet

    High: 48°F | Low: 32°F

  • Durango, CO

    Light snow

    High: 43°F | Low: 28°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 54°F | Low: 34°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sleet

    High: 46°F | Low: 32°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Light rain

    High: 48°F | Low: 27°F