Deadly New Mexico flood sweeps away house, kills 3 in Ruidoso [VIDEO]

Flash Flood in Ruidoso Leaves Trail of Death, Destruction, and Urgency

A shocking viral video captured a house being swept away by powerful floodwaters in Ruidoso, New Mexico. It was a sudden flash flood that devastated the village and claimed the lives of three people. The losses included two young children. The video was recorded two days ago on July 8, 2025, from a balcony overlooking the Rio Ruidoso. Therefore, it highlights the terrifying power of the rushing water that surged through the area following heavy monsoonal rainfall.

The clip was posted by Collin Rugg and credited to Kaitlyn Carpenter on Facebook. Thus, it shows the house drifting helplessly in the torrent. Therefore, symbolizing the destruction unleashed by a storm system that dropped over three inches of rain in just 90 minutes.

What Triggered the Catastrophic Flooding?

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque issued a series of escalating alerts: a flash flood watch at 8:00 a.m., a warning by 2:20 p.m., and an emergency by 2:47 p.m. The rainfall primarily struck areas already vulnerable from the 2024 South Fork and Salt Fires. Therefore, saturating unstable burn scars and triggering a debris-choked flood.

Rainfall totals ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 inches across the impacted region, with 3.29 inches falling directly on the South Fork burn scar. These rapid downpours caused the Rio Ruidoso to swell to 20.24 feet. That’s a new record that smashed the previous 15.86-foot benchmark set almost exactly one year earlier, on July 20, 2024.

Lives Lost in the Floodwaters

Tragically, the flood claimed the lives of three individuals:

• Charlotte Trotter (4)
• Sebastian Trotter (7)
• An unidentified man in his 40s or 50s

Charlotte and Sebastian were the children of a soldier on leave from Fort Bliss, Texas. Their parents, Sebastian and Stephanie Trotter, survived. However, they were hospitalized in serious condition. The deaths of the young siblings have shocked the region. Therefore, adding to the emotional weight of the disaster.

Emergency Response and Rescues

More than 65 rescues were conducted in the immediate aftermath, as residents became trapped in homes, clung to trees, or were swept away in the floodwaters. The National Guard, already stationed nearby, played a critical role in rescue operations alongside local emergency responders.

A multi-tiered alert system helped minimize further loss of life. Thus, including:

• Sirens
• Door-to-door notifications
• Opt-in phone alerts

Still, the speed and scale of the flooding overwhelmed parts of the village. Therefore, forcing residents to flee with little notice.

Damage Assessment: Homes, Pets, and Infrastructure Lost

Between 35 and 50 homes were damaged or destroyed. Then, too, that number expected to rise as assessments continue. In addition to human losses, families mourned the deaths of beloved pets, including a four-year-old German Shepherd named Ellie and a nine-year-old husky named Zeus.

Roads such as Sudderth Drive and Gavilan Canyon Road were closed due to washouts, and the Ruidoso Downs racetrack was submerged in muddy waters. The Ruidoso Community Center was opened for emergency sheltering at 501 Sudderth.

Viral Video Becomes Symbol of the Tragedy

The viral video of the house floating away became a powerful symbol of the flood’s intensity. Captured from a home above the floodplain, the footage showed brown, debris-filled waters churning as an entire structure was swept away downstream. Users on social media expressed shock and concern:

• “This is unreal. Praying for everyone in Ruidoso.”
• “My aunt has a house there—we haven’t been able to reach her.”
• “Is this climate change? What’s going on lately?”

Others speculated about the role of recent wildfire damage in weakening the landscape. Thus, making Ruidoso more susceptible to catastrophic flash floods.

Mayor’s Statement and Government Response

Mayor Lynn Crawford addressed the tragedy with deep emotion: “Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy.” As a result, this time of need has brought the community together. In addition, the mayor has reached out for assistance.

The Village of Ruidoso has requested federal disaster assistance. A missing persons hotline was also established:

• Missing persons: 575-637-0328
• Spanish assistance: 505-765-7604 or 928-276-8184

Looking Ahead: More Rain Possible

Even as the community begins recovery efforts, weather forecasts remain concerning. On July 10, the NWS issued another flash flood watch, warning of possible rain at rates of 1 inch per hour. The area has experienced at least three serious floods since the June 2024 South Fork Fire scorched over 17,000 acres, leaving the soil loose and erosion-prone.

A Warning Sign of What’s to Come?

The deadly flash flood in Ruidoso is the latest in a string of extreme weather events to strike the Southwest, following a similar flood in Texas that killed at least 109 people. While individual events can’t always be attributed directly to climate change, the increasing frequency and intensity of flash floods raise critical questions about the changing climate and how wildfire-scarred terrain amplifies risks.

As Ruidoso begins to mourn, clean up, and rebuild, the viral house video remains a jarring reminder of nature’s power—and how quickly life can be swept away.

Conclusion: A Community Forever Changed

The Ruidoso flood will be remembered not only for its physical destruction but also for the emotional scars left on the community. The loss of two young children, the displacement of dozens of families, and the haunting image of a house drifting away are vivid reminders of how vulnerable communities remain in the face of extreme weather.

In the aftermath, residents, first responders, and local leaders have shown resilience, banding together to support one another in recovery efforts. Federal aid may bring infrastructure repairs and resources, but the healing process will take far longer. For many, the trauma lingers—especially for those who lost loved ones, homes, or peace of mind.

This disaster also adds to growing national conversations about climate resilience and disaster preparedness. As wildfires, floods, and other extreme events become more common, communities like Ruidoso may serve as critical case studies in how to adapt, rebuild, and protect against future tragedies. For now, Ruidoso stands in solidarity, braving the difficult road ahead—stronger, sobered, and more unified than before.