2 adults and child found dead after flooding inundates Navajo Nation in New Mexico

September 17, 2026 / 6:35 AM EDT / CBS/AP

Three people are dead after being swept away by floodwaters early Wednesday on the Navajo Nation, authorities in New Mexico said.

Tribal police officers received a report around 12:30 a.m. about people being washed away near the community of Newcomb in northwestern New Mexico. The report followed a day of heavy rain that left roadways and other areas flooded with standing water. More rain followed during the overnight hours.

Search crews responded and found the bodies of two adults and a child. Authorities did not release any details about the circumstances, other than saying the drownings were under investigation.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren offered his condolences and thanked first responders for working through the night in difficult and dangerous conditions as they searched for the people.

"There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a loved one so suddenly, and our hearts are especially heavy knowing that three lives were lost," Nygren said in a social media post. "To the family, relatives, and loved ones who are grieving today, we offer our deepest condolences."

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a special briefing on Tuesday, warning…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/