Ruidoso, New Mexico — Community Reels From Catastrophic July Flooding as Families Grieve Unimaginable Loss
RUIDOSO, N.M. — In the early hours of July 8, 2025, the peaceful mountain village of Ruidoso was transformed into a scene of devastation and heartbreak. A powerful flash flood swept through the area following days of intense rainfall, destroying homes, displacing families, and shattering the calm of this tight-knit community in southern New Mexico.
Amid the destruction, lives were lost—including those of Charlotte Trotter, just 4 years old, Sebastian Trotter, age 7, and Benjamin Timothy Feagin. Their tragic passing has left the community in collective mourning and underscored the unpredictable force of nature that struck with terrifying speed and intensity.
A Sudden and Unforgiving Storm
The disaster began with what initially seemed like another summer storm. However, the rainfall quickly intensified beyond normal patterns. Meteorologists had warned of potential flash flooding due to the saturated ground, but few anticipated the full extent of what would follow.
Ruidoso, nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, is no stranger to wild weather. However, this storm unleashed several inches of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems and causing creeks and rivers to overflow violently. Particularly hard-hit areas included mid-valley neighborhoods, residential zones along the Rio Ruidoso, and homes situated near the Lincoln National Forest boundary.
First responders were dispatched as water surged into homes and roads crumbled beneath the weight of debris. Entire properties were uprooted, vehicles swept away, and families forced to flee to higher ground in the dead of night.
A Tragic Toll: Remembering the Lives Lost
As the waters receded, the scale of the tragedy began to unfold. Among the victims were two young siblings, Charlotte and Sebastian Trotter, whose joyful presence had been a bright light in their community. Their family had lived in Ruidoso for years, surrounded by neighbors who describe them as kind, energetic, and deeply loved.
Also lost was Benjamin Timothy Feagin, a cherished son, friend, and part of the local workforce. Known for his warm smile and willingness to help anyone in need, his passing has struck a particularly painful chord among coworkers, friends, and extended family.
Candlelight vigils were quickly organized. At Wingfield Park, dozens of residents gathered beneath rain-soaked skies to honor the lives lost. Flowers, drawings, and handwritten messages were placed on a growing memorial, as parents clutched their children tightly and neighbors leaned on one another in shared grief.
“We’re not just mourning—this is personal to every single person in Ruidoso,” one resident shared during the vigil. “These were our children. Our friends. Our future.”
Emergency Response and Ongoing Search Efforts
In the hours and days following the disaster, the Ruidoso Fire Department, New Mexico State Police, and Lincoln County Emergency Services worked around the clock to assist displaced families, conduct search and rescue operations, and assess the staggering damage.
While many were able to reach safety, others were not as fortunate. Search teams, aided by volunteers and K-9 units, combed riverbanks, flood zones, and debris fields for signs of missing persons. The work was physically and emotionally taxing. Despite fatigue, responders persisted with resolve, driven by the urgency of locating every person and returning them to their families—whether for reunion or closure.
Evacuation centers were established across the town, including at Ruidoso High School and several local churches, offering shelter, hot meals, and crisis counseling. Mental health professionals were dispatched to provide immediate support to survivors experiencing trauma, especially children grappling with loss and displacement.
An Entire Town Displaced
More than 200 homes were reported damaged or destroyed, according to preliminary assessments from county officials. Infrastructure across the village suffered significant harm, with several roads rendered impassable, utilities compromised, and communication lines disrupted. Emergency declarations were issued by both local and state authorities, opening the door for federal assistance in the days ahead.
Entire neighborhoods—once quiet and safe—are now unrecognizable. Streets are filled with twisted metal, uprooted trees, and remnants of daily life: toys, photo albums, kitchenware—all now muddied reminders of what families once called home.
Power outages and water system disruptions added further stress to a population already on edge. Emergency crews prioritized restoring basic services, but full recovery is expected to take months, if not longer.
The Strength of Ruidoso’s Spirit
Amid the destruction, one thing remains intact: the unshakable spirit of Ruidoso. Residents have come together in extraordinary ways. Volunteers are helping clear debris from streets. Churches and businesses have opened their doors as makeshift shelters. Neighbors are checking on one another, offering supplies, transportation, and emotional support.
A donation hub has been set up at the Ruidoso Convention Center, where clothing, blankets, hygiene kits, and food are being collected and distributed. National and regional nonprofit organizations have also arrived, offering emergency grants and resources to displaced families.
Ruidoso’s mayor held a press conference earlier this week, visibly moved as she spoke:
“We are facing one of the most painful moments in our town’s history. But we are doing it together. We will mourn, we will rebuild, and we will never forget those we lost.”
Environmental and Structural Questions Ahead
As recovery begins, questions are emerging about what contributed to the severity of the flooding. Some residents have pointed to increased development near waterways and limited drainage infrastructure as potential factors. Others are urging officials to revisit the town’s emergency response protocols and early warning systems.
Engineers and environmental scientists are now assessing whether landscape changes—including recent wildfires in the surrounding forest—may have worsened runoff patterns during the storm. Burn scars from previous fire seasons can leave soil less absorbent, leading to quicker and more dangerous water flow during heavy rain.
While the focus remains on recovery, residents and town leaders are calling for transparency and forward-thinking solutions to help prevent future tragedies.
A Community in Mourning, but Not Alone
The tragedy has reached far beyond the town’s borders. Messages of support have poured in from neighboring towns, state leaders, and even people across the country who once visited Ruidoso as tourists or have ties to the area. Social media has been flooded with tributes, fundraisers, and words of encouragement.
Schools across Lincoln County held moments of silence in remembrance of those lost. Classmates of Charlotte and Sebastian Trotter, many too young to fully grasp what happened, drew cards and placed them at the family’s former home.
“There’s nothing you can say to make it better,” one teacher noted. “But we can show love, we can show up, and we can help rebuild.”
Looking Ahead: The Long Road to Healing
As cleanup continues and families begin to grapple with insurance claims, rebuilding efforts, and emotional recovery, one thing is clear: the impact of this flood will be felt for years. But Ruidoso has always been a resilient place—one forged by mountains, forests, and the determination of its people.
Local leaders are already discussing next steps, including long-term housing plans for those displaced, rebuilding infrastructure, and investing in flood mitigation measures. Mental health support will be a cornerstone of community recovery, with plans underway for trauma support groups and counseling services.
For those who lost loved ones, the path forward will be steep. But they will not walk it alone.
How You Can Help
For those outside Ruidoso looking to support the recovery:
- Donations: Monetary donations are being accepted through the Ruidoso Relief Fund, hosted by a local nonprofit in partnership with the city.
- Supplies: Drop-offs are being coordinated at designated hubs listed on the Village of Ruidoso’s official website.
- Volunteer: Interested volunteers can sign up for coordinated efforts through New Mexico Volunteer Connection.
- Support for Victims’ Families: Verified GoFundMe pages and trust funds have been established to assist those grieving the loss of loved ones.
Final Thoughts
The flood that struck Ruidoso, New Mexico on July 8, 2025, will forever be remembered as one of the most tragic events in the town’s history. But as the sun rises over the mountains each morning, it does so on a community that refuses to be defined by tragedy alone.
Through sorrow, there is solidarity. Through grief, there is grace. And through loss, there remains an enduring belief in the power of community to heal, to honor, and to rebuild.
