Tragic Flood in Navajo Nation Claims Three Lives, Including Young Girl

WHO:

NY Post - Elsie Begay, her granddaughter Lucy Allison Mike, and Begay’s best friend Dora Franklin died in the flood.

ABC News - Kalisi Begay, mother of Lucy Allison Mike, was part of the family affected by the flood.

ABC News - Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren declared a state of emergency.

WHAT:

NY Post - Three lives were claimed by a flood near Newcomb, New Mexico.

ABC News - Flash flooding damaged roads, forced evacuations, and resulted in three fatalities.

ABC News - The flood occurred as a late-season surge of monsoon moisture brought heavy rain to the Four Corners region.

ABC News - The flood swept away Elsie Begay, Lucy Allison Mike, and Dora Franklin while they attempted to cross a wash.

WHERE:

NY Post - The flood occurred near Newcomb, New Mexico, a community of about 400 people.

ABC News - The flooding affected areas in the Navajo Nation, including Shiprock, New Mexico, and Mexican Springs.

WHEN:

NY Post - The flood occurred on a Tuesday.

ABC News - Lucy Allison Mike was preparing for her 8th birthday party, which is scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday.

ABC News - The state of emergency was declared on a Friday.

WHY:

ABC News - The flooding was caused by a late-season surge of monsoon moisture bringing heavy rain.

HOW:

ABC News - The family was returning home from picking up supplies for a birthday party when their truck got stuck in mud.

ABC News - Navajo police evacuated three families in Shiprock due to rising water levels and flooding near the San Juan River.

ABC News - The Mexican Springs Chapter House was converted into a temporary shelter for those affected by the flooding.

(UPDATED September 19, 2026 08:57 UTC)

A tragic flood near Newcomb, New Mexico, has claimed the lives of three individuals: Elsie Begay, her granddaughter Lucy Allison Mike, and Begay’s best friend Dora Franklin. The flooding, caused by a late-season surge of monsoon moisture, swept the victims away as they attempted to cross a wash while returning home from gathering supplies for Lucy's upcoming 8th birthday party. In response to the devastation, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has declared a state of emergency, and temporary shelters have been set up for those affected by the rising waters.