ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Three members and close friends of a Navajo family were killed by floodwaters in New Mexico after heavy rain caused a vehicle to become trapped in mud, according to family members.

Elsie Begay, her 7-year-old granddaughter Lucy Allison Mike and Begay’s close friend Dora Franklin were swept away by floodwaters Tuesday near Newcomb, a community of roughly 400 people.

The family had been returning home after collecting supplies for Lucy’s upcoming 8th birthday celebration when their truck became stuck in mud as heavy storms moved through the area.

Kalisi Begay decided to continue walking home, while her mother and young daughter remained behind. As water levels rose rapidly, Elsie Begay, Lucy and Franklin were swept away while attempting to cross a wash, according to relatives.

“I think she was just wanting to get home,” said Stella Wilson, Begay’s niece.

The deaths came as widespread flash flooding affected parts of the Navajo Nation. Heavy rainfall damaged roads, isolated communities and forced evacuations across the region as a late-season surge of monsoon moisture brought intense rain to the Four Corners.

Navajo police said three families in Shiprock, New Mexico, were evacuated Friday evening because of rising water and flooding near the San Juan River.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren declared a state of emergency Friday as some communities remained cut off by floodwaters and damaged roads. Several roads across the Navajo Nation were still closed as rain continued.

“Please use alternate routes, check on our elders and relatives, and follow the guidance of our emergency personnel,” Nygren said.

Flooding also severely affected Mexican Springs, about 40 miles south of Newcomb. Numerous dirt and gravel roads became impassable, leaving some residents stranded and preventing others from reaching their homes.

Darnell Etsitty, a local government maintenance worker, said floodwaters had washed out ditches and damaged culverts, leaving large holes in some roads. He and other workers spent Friday constructing alternate routes to help residents travel in and out of affected areas.

The Mexican Springs Chapter House was converted into a temporary shelter, while volunteers used all-terrain vehicles to deliver food, water and other supplies to households that remained isolated.

Wilson said road conditions remained dangerous and that members of her family were still unable to reach her mother. She urged residents to remain patient while rescue and relief efforts continued.

“I just want to make sure other families make it home,” she said.

The three victims were remembered by relatives and members of the local school community.

Begay worked as a business technician at Sanostee Day School, where Lucy attended third grade. Franklin worked as a bus driver at another nearby school.

Wilson said both women cared deeply about children. Begay regularly decorated the school’s front office for holidays, helped with fundraisers and participated in community events. Franklin was known for giving candy to children as they boarded her school bus.

Lucy had recently been crowned “Miss Sanostee Day School” on Sept. 4 and was preparing to celebrate her 8th birthday the following Tuesday.

Wilson described her niece as “beautiful” and “bright,” saying she had been a great blessing to her family.

The flooding continued to disrupt communities across the Navajo Nation as authorities worked to reopen roads, assist stranded residents and respond to areas affected by rising water.

SOURCE: Associated Press (AP), Jessica Hill and Savannah Peters, September 19, 2026.