Three people died in a drowning incident reportedly caused by floodwaters in New Mexico’s Four Corners region early Wednesday, police said.
The Navajo Police Department said its Shiprock District responded to a possible drowning at around 12:30 a.m. Officers received a report of floodwaters sweeping people away near a flooded area in Newcomb on the Navajo Nation.
Responding officers discovered two adults and a juvenile who had drowned when they searched the scene. All three were declared dead in the incident, police said.
According to authorities, the drowning remains under investigation. The Navajo Nation Fire and Rescue Newcomb and Shiprock stations, Navajo EMS, and 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue joined the search effort.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected. We respectfully ask the community to honor the family’s privacy during this time,” the Navajo Police Department said in a statement.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren is calling for privacy as he thanked first responders. He also extended his condolences to the victims’ loved ones.
“There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a loved one so suddenly,” Nygren said. “To the family, relatives, and loved ones who are grieving today, we offer our deepest condolences. We pray that you are surrounded by strength, comfort and the love of your family and community in the difficult days ahead. We are grateful for their service, courage and commitment to our people.”
Flood Threat Remains
Nygren urged the public to exercise extreme caution around flooded roadways, washes, and other areas affected by heavy rainfall.
Rain began falling in Newcomb around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and continued intermittently until shortly after midnight. The area received about 0.5 to 1 inch of rain, with most of the rainfall occurring within an hour Tuesday evening.
New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado are under a serious flood threat from Wednesday into Thursday. A surge of moisture moving into the region could bring heavy rains and flooding. In New Mexico, northern/eastern McKinley County and southern San Juan County remain areas of concern.
A flash flood watch remains in effect across those states for nearly 8 million people until Thursday morning. Parts of New Mexico and south-central Arizona are under a rare Level 3 of 4 threat of flooding rainfall.
