Flash Flood in Mora County, New Mexico

Heavy rain on the Calf Canyon burn scar caused flash flooding on Highway 434 near El Turquillo. A vehicle containing the 30-year-old driver John Vasquez and a 64-year-old passenger Benjamin Torres attempted to cross the flooded roadway, but were unsuccessful as the vehicle was caught in the flood waters. Vasquez was able to escape through an open car window with only minor injuries, but Torres remained trapped in the vehicle. Once the flood waters receded, first responders discovered Torres deceased in the vehicle 100 yards downstream. Vasquez was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol and fleeing an accident with knowledge of death or great bodily harm. Damages are estimated for the loss of the vehicle.

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms continued to impact northern and central New Mexico on August 7, 2022, and the Calf Canyon burn scar was hit once again with heavy thunderstorms. Flash flooding on the burn scar rendered Highway 434 near El Turquillo impassable. Unfortunately, a driver attempted to cross the flood waters anyway. The vehicle was swept away, and while the driver escaped with only minor injuries, his passenger was killed.