On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the serene mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, was struck by a catastrophic flash flood that claimed the lives of three individuals, including two young children, Sebastian Rowan Trotter, aged 7, and his sister, Charlotte Emery Trotter, aged 4. The children, part of a Fort Bliss family stationed in El Paso, Texas, were identified by their relatives on a GoFundMe page created to support their grieving parents, Stephanie and Sebastian Trotter, who were seriously injured in the disaster. This article delves into the heart-wrenching story of the Trotter family, the devastating impact of the Ruidoso flood, and the community’s response to this tragedy.

A Family Vacation Turned Nightmare

The Trotter family had arrived in Ruidoso just two days prior to the tragedy, seeking a peaceful camping trip at the Riverside RV Park along Sudderth Drive. Sebastian Trotter, a U.S. Army soldier based at Fort Bliss, and his wife, Stephanie, a nursing student, were looking forward to quality time with their children. According to a GoFundMe page set up by the children’s uncle, Hank Wyatt, the family was camping near a small stream, unaware of the impending danger. “On July 8th, what was supposed to be a carefree family vacation in Ruidoso, New Mexico, turned into a nightmare no one could have imagined,” Wyatt wrote.

The flash flood, triggered by an intense downpour of over 3.5 inches of rain in just 90 minutes on the South Fork burn scar, caused the Rio Ruidoso to swell to a record-breaking 20 feet—five feet higher than its previous record. The family received no warning or alerts on their phones, according to Wyatt, leaving them unprepared as floodwaters rapidly engulfed their RV.

A Desperate Fight for Survival

In the chaos, Stephanie and Sebastian fought valiantly to save their children. According to the GoFundMe page, as the RV filled with water, Sebastian dove into the raging floodwaters to rescue Charlotte, while Stephanie and Sebastian Rowan climbed a tree to escape the torrent. Tragically, Charlotte was swept away by the current, entangled in trees and debris. Stephanie, too, began to drown but was eventually rescued. Despite their heroic efforts, both children were lost to the flood.

Family members recounted Sebastian Rowan’s bravery, noting that the 7-year-old tried to save his younger sister during the ordeal. “Sebastian was brave in trying to save his little sister in the flooding,” the family shared with KTSM. The parents sustained serious injuries, with Sebastian facing multiple surgeries and months of recovery, while Stephanie is also hospitalized. Miraculously, they survived, but the loss of their children has left them devastated.

The family’s two dogs, a 4-year-old German Shepherd named Ellie and a 9-year-old husky named Zeus, also perished in the flood. Their second German Shepherd, Lily, survived, offering a small glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.

The Victims: Sebastian and Charlotte

Sebastian Rowan Trotter was described as a vibrant 7-year-old with a passion for soccer and Pokémon card collecting. “Sebastian was an avid Pokémon card collector, loved to play sports, but was a huge soccer fanatic. He wanted to be a professional soccer player when he got older,” his aunt, Tiffanie Wyatt, shared in a statement to ABC News. His uncle, Hank Wyatt, described him as “kind, curious, and loved harder than anyone I’ve ever known.”

Charlotte Emery Trotter, just 4 years old, was the light of every room she entered. “Charlotte loved to be the center of attention,” Tiffanie told ABC News. She was known for her singing, dancing, and ability to captivate those around her. “Always singing, always twirling, and lighting up every room she entered,” the GoFundMe page noted. The siblings were remembered as “full of life and always laughing,” leaving an indelible mark on their family and community.

The Community’s Response

The Ruidoso flood not only claimed the lives of Sebastian and Charlotte but also a third victim, identified by the owner of Riverside RV Park as Tim Feagin, a man in his 40s or 50s who worked and lived at the campsite. The disaster damaged or destroyed at least 200 homes, with local officials warning that the number could double as assessments continue. The Ruidoso Downs Racetrack was also severely impacted, canceling the remainder of its racing season.

In the wake of the tragedy, the community has rallied to support the affected families. The GoFundMe page for the Trotter family, aiming to raise $125,000 for medical expenses, funeral costs, and rehabilitation, had raised over $150,000 by July 11, 2025, reflecting an outpouring of generosity. “We are raising these funds not only to cover their bills, mortgage, and rehabilitation, but to give our little Sebastian and Charlotte the beautiful farewell they deserve,” Wyatt wrote.

Local businesses and individuals have also stepped up. Michael Torres, owner of Mountain Treasure Thrift in Ruidoso, has been providing free clothes to flood victims, while La Salsa Kitchen and Community, a local restaurant devastated by the flood, launched its own GoFundMe to rebuild. The Ruidoso Community Center at 501 Sudderth Drive has been opened as a temporary shelter, and the Lincoln County Food Bank is fully stocked to assist those in need.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration to secure federal resources, and she visited Ruidoso on July 10 to assess the damage. “Ruidoso endured devastating wildfires and flooding last summer, and now catastrophic flooding is hitting this resilient community again,” she said. Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury urged residents to follow emergency orders, emphasizing, “We cannot lose another life.”

A History of Resilience

Ruidoso, a picturesque village known for its natural beauty and tourism, has faced repeated challenges in recent years, including wildfires and previous flooding. The South Fork burn scar, a remnant of earlier wildfires, exacerbated the flooding by reducing the soil’s ability to absorb water, leading to rapid runoff. Despite these setbacks, the community has shown remarkable resilience. “It is such a great town, it just takes a tail-whipping every once in a while,” said local resident Haragan. “We always survive.”

The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood watch at 8 a.m. on July 8, followed by a warning at 2:20 p.m. and an emergency alert at 2:47 p.m. However, some residents, including the Trotter family, reported receiving no alerts, raising questions about the effectiveness of the emergency notification system. Village officials defended their efforts, stating that alerts were sent out, but urged citizens not to rely solely on one system.

Moving Forward

As Ruidoso begins the long process of recovery, the loss of Sebastian and Charlotte Trotter remains at the forefront of the community’s collective grief. Their story, shared through the GoFundMe page and amplified by media outlets, has touched hearts far beyond New Mexico. Posts on X reflect the public’s sorrow, with users expressing condolences and sharing the family’s fundraiser to support their recovery.

The Trotter family faces a challenging road ahead, both physically and emotionally. Sebastian and Stephanie’s injuries will require extensive medical care, and the loss of their children is a wound that may never fully heal. Yet, the overwhelming support from strangers and neighbors alike offers a beacon of hope. “The generosity and kindness of the people of Ruidoso are what make the community so special,” noted the owners of La Salsa Kitchen, echoing a sentiment felt by many.

In memory of Sebastian and Charlotte, the community is coming together to ensure their lives are honored and their parents are supported. The GoFundMe page, accessible at gofund.me/5c4d99a2, continues to accept donations to help the family rebuild their lives. As Ruidoso mourns, it also stands united, determined to rise above this tragedy and support those who have lost so much.