Three members of a Navajo family died after heavy rainstorms triggered destructive flash flooding across rural New Mexico.
The tragic incident occurred near Newcomb as family members were returning from picking up party supplies.
Seven-year-old Lucy Allison Mike was preparing to celebrate her eighth birthday next week when storm waters trapped their truck.
Her mother Kalisi Begay chose to walk home to get assistance while her daughter and mother remained behind in the vehicle.
The rising water quickly inundated the wash and swept away those who stayed behind alongside a friend who arrived to assist.
Searchers later recovered the bodies of Elsie Begay, her granddaughter Lucy, and family friend Dora Franklin.
Reflecting on her aunt’s decision to leave the vehicle during the storm, Stella Wilson offered context on the tragedy, “I think she was just wanting to get home,” according to Associated Press.
Community members remembered Begay for her dedicated work as a business technician at Sanostee Day School.
Begay frequently decorated the school office for holidays and actively organized local fundraising drives for children.
Franklin worked as a beloved local school bus driver who routinely handed out candy to students every morning.
Young Lucy had recently been crowned Miss Sanostee Day School on Sept. 4 and was eagerly anticipating her upcoming party.
Emergency responders converted the Mexican Springs Chapter House into a temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Volunteers utilized all-terrain vehicles to transport emergency supplies and food to stranded families isolated by damaged roads.
Persistent muddy conditions and ruined roadways continue to hamper relief efforts across eastern parts of the reservation.
Plea for caution remained paramount as family members urged stranded residents to remain patient until help arrives.
Expressing her hope for the safety of other stranded community members, Wilson emphasized, “I just want to make sure other families make it home”.