Three people, including a 7-year-old girl, were killed in flash flooding near Newcomb, New Mexico, on Tuesday as heavy rains swept through the Navajo Nation, authorities and family members said. The victims were identified as Elsie Begay, her granddaughter Lucy Allison Mike, and Begay’s close friend Dora Franklin.
The three were attempting to cross a wash after their truck became stuck in mud while returning from picking up supplies for Lucy’s eighth birthday celebration. Begay had chosen to walk home, while her daughter and granddaughter initially stayed behind. Rising water levels quickly overtook the grandmother, granddaughter, and Franklin as they tried to navigate the floodwaters, family members said.
“[She] was just wanting to get home,” said Stella Wilson, Begay’s niece, describing her aunt’s determination to return safely. Begay worked as a business technician at Sanostee Day School, where Lucy was a third-grade student. Franklin was a school bus driver in the area. Both women were known for their dedication to children and the community, with Begay often decorating the school office and Franklin distributing candy to students.
The flooding occurred amid a late-season surge of monsoon moisture affecting the Four Corners region. The Navajo Nation experienced significant flash floods that damaged roads, caused evacuations, and isolated several communities due to standing water and infrastructure damage.
In Shiprock, New Mexico, authorities evacuated three families on Friday evening amid rising water levels near the San Juan River. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren declared a state of emergency that same day, urging residents to use alternative routes, check on elders and relatives, and heed instructions from emergency personnel. Numerous roads across the Navajo Nation remained closed on Friday because of the flood damage.
About 40 miles south of Newcomb, in Mexican Springs, flooding rendered many dirt and gravel roads impassable, stranding families and impeding travel. Darnell Etsitty, a local maintenance worker, reported that many ditches had been washed out, culverts destroyed, and large holes appeared in the roads. Efforts were underway to build alternate routes and deliver food, water, and supplies to affected households, some of which were being sheltered at the Mexican Springs Chapter House.
Wilson noted that road conditions remained poor and her own family had yet to reach a relative stranded by the floods. She appealed for patience and emphasized the importance of waiting for official assistance.
Lucy had recently been crowned “Miss Sanostee Day School” on September 4 and was looking forward to her birthday celebration this week. Wilson described her niece as “beautiful” and “bright,” calling her a blessing to the family.
The flooding across the Navajo Nation continues to pose risks as monsoon rains are expected to persist. Emergency services and community members are coordinated in responding to immediate needs and infrastructure recovery.