Santa Fe, NM (KKOB)- Santa Fe County authorities have identified a 39-year old woman who died after the vehicle she was in was swept away by strong flood waters on Saturday night October 24 in the area of Paseo de la Tierra and Vuelta Chamisa in Santa Fe County.
Initial reports by Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the vehicle was occupied by two adults and a young child. Emergency responders were conducting search and rescue efforts and had difficulties to locate the vehicle due to the weather conditions. and difficulty SFSO requested assistance from SFPD and Santa Fe City Fire Department to assist with the operation.
The adult male occupant was able to escape from the vehicle with the small child and both were transported to a local hospital and later released.
The female occupant, later identified as 39-year-old Isabelle Beulaygue, was carried downstream by the strong current. Both Santa Fe County and City Fire Departments conducted searches of the arroyo but were unable to find the victim. SFSO reported that her body was found after water levels receded approximately one mile from where the vehicle was found.
Santa Fe County Commissioner Lisa Cacari Stone, PhD., stated
“My heart goes out to the family who lost their wife and mother in Saturday’s flooding. This is a tragic loss for our district and for all of Santa Fe County, and I ask our community to keep this family in their thoughts and give them privacy as they grieve. I’m also deeply grateful to the first responders who carried out swift-water rescues that night near Vuelta Chamisa and Paseo de la Tierra.”
Santa Fe County emergency personnel, with assistance from Public Works and Santa Fe City Fire Department responded to five swift water rescues over the weekend.
A reminder to never attempt crossing an arroyo when water is flowing. Even shallow, fast-moving water can be dangerous. Water levels rise rapidly and without warning. If you encounter flowing water across a roadway, turn around and find an alternate route.
