N.M. Stat. § 45-3-609
Termination of appointment; death or disability.
A. The death of a personal representative, or the appointment of a conservator for
the estate of a personal representative, terminates his appointment.
B. Termination by death or appointment of a conservator imposes upon the
personal representative of the deceased personal representative, or the conservator
appointed for a living personal representative, the duty to protect the estate which has
been possessed or is being administered by the personal representative at the time of
his termination, and confers the power to perform acts necessary to protect the estate
and account for, and deliver the assets to, a successor personal representative or
special administrator upon his appointment and qualification.