EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will hold a news conference on Thursday morning, July 10, to deliver an update on statewide flood response efforts in Ruidoso.
The news conference will be at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Emergency Operations Center.
As we have previously reported, Grisham signed an emergency declaration Tuesday night, July 8, asking for federal help for the Ruidoso area.
Ruidoso faced flash flooding earlier on Tuesday as heavy rain fell in the burn scar areas from last year’s South Fork and Salt fires.
Crews conducted 65 swift water rescues where they rescued people from the water, trees, cars, and people who were trapped in their homes, Crawford said.
Two children and a man died as a result of the flooding on and KTSM 9 News learned that the children were a part of a Fort Bliss family.
Military officials released a statement on Wednesday, July 9, stating that a Fort Bliss soldier, their spouse, sustained serious injuries. Tragically, the couple’s two children died as a result of the flooding.
Fort Bliss says the family was caught in the flash flood while on approved leave at a recreational vehicle campground near Ruidoso on Tuesday.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief following this devastating loss,” said Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, deputy commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss. “The entire Fort Bliss community extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and are providing full support to the family under these tragic circumstances.”
The man who died in the flooding has yet to be identified.
One person has been reported missing, and 20 people have been displaced from their homes and were later moved to a hotel, Crawford said.
Eight horses have died from the flooding, along with several cats, dogs, and other small animals, Crawford said.
Crawford added that a damage assessment will take several days, and windshield surveys along with preliminary reports show 30 to 50-plus homes and businesses have been damaged.
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson offered his condolences and support to the family in a statement sent to KTSM 9:
“On behalf of the City of El Paso, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the three victims who lost their lives in the devastating flash flood in Ruidoso on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. We are especially heartbroken to learn that two of the young children were from El Paso and part of a Fort Bliss family—a reminder of how tightly our communities are connected.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the parents, siblings, and loved ones during this unimaginable loss. We share in their grief and stand ready to support in any way we can.
“I spoke with Mayor Lynn Crawford of Ruidoso and Brigadier General Rory Crooks to express our solidarity and to offer any support we can provide as they navigate the challenges ahead.
“We mourn with the families in New Mexico during this painful time and pray for the bereaved. May they find comfort in community and in one another,” Fort Bliss said.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, provided condolences to the military family on Wednesday. “My heart is with them, their loved ones and the entire Fort Bliss family as they go through this incredibly difficult time. It’s also with the community of Ruidoso that only a year after devastating fires is now facing more tragedy.”
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