By Navajo Nation Star Staff
September 17, 2026
NEWCOMB, N.M. — Three people, including a juvenile, died early Wednesday morning after reportedly being swept away in a flooded area near Newcomb, according to the Navajo Police Department.
The Navajo Police Department Shiprock District reported that officers were dispatched at approximately 12:30 a.m. on September 16 after receiving a report of a possible drowning involving several people who had been washed away by floodwaters.
Responding officers arrived at the scene and began searching the area with assistance from the Navajo Nation Fire and Rescue Newcomb and Shiprock stations, Navajo Emergency Medical Services, and 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue.
Authorities later located two adults and one juvenile. All three were determined to have drowned and were pronounced deceased.
The identities of the victims have not been released.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by the Navajo Police Department.
In its statement, the department extended condolences to those impacted by the tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected,” the Navajo Police Department stated. “We respectfully ask the community to honor the family’s privacy during this time.”
The incident comes during a period in which heavy rainfall and flooding can create dangerous conditions in washes, low-lying areas and road crossings throughout the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.
Residents are urged to exercise caution around flooded areas and never attempt to walk or drive through moving floodwaters.
The Navajo Nation Star will provide additional information as it becomes publicly available from law enforcement authorities.
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