Couple Sues Ruidoso Over 2025 Flood Deaths of 2 Children

The Trotter family lost their 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter in the flash flooding tragedy.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The family of Sebastian and Stephanie Trotter, who lost their two young children in the 2025 flash floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico, said they will be filing a lawsuit against the Village of Ruidoso, Mayor Lynn Crawford, and the River View RV Park where they were camping. The Trotter children, 7-year-old Sebastian and 4-year-old Charlotte, were among the three people who died in the flooding incident.

Why it matters

The Trotter family's lawsuit aims to hold the local government and RV park accountable for the tragic deaths of their children, which they allege were preventable. The case highlights the need for better disaster preparedness and response in communities vulnerable to extreme weather events.

The details

According to the report, the Trotter family was camping at the River View RV Park along the Rio Ruidoso when the flash flooding occurred. The violent floodwaters split their RV in half and pulled the mother, Stephanie Trotter, and both children into the river. The father, Sebastian Trotter, dove in to try and save them, but the children and two family dogs ultimately drowned. The Trotter parents sustained serious injuries during the incident, with the father requiring specialized rehabilitation.

  • The flash flooding incident occurred in July 2025.
  • The Trotter family plans to file the lawsuit within the next 10 days.

The players

Sebastian and Stephanie Trotter

The parents who lost their two young children in the 2025 Ruidoso flash floods.

Sebastian Trotter

The father who dove into the floodwaters to try and save his family but sustained serious injuries.

Lynn Crawford

The Mayor of Ruidoso, New Mexico.

River View RV Park

The RV park where the Trotter family was camping when the flash flooding occurred.

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What they’re saying

“To this day, we actually have not had any communication from the village of Ruidoso, along with the owners of the RV park. We've had residents reach out to us, good and bad.”

— Stephanie Trotter (KTSM)

“It was a tragic event, and I cannot comment on this matter at this time.”

— Lynn Crawford, Mayor of Ruidoso (KTSM)

“The biggest thing was just they were amazing.”

— Stephanie Trotter (KTSM)

“We really are living for them, because they were so young. What do you guys hope? What can be drawn from this tragedy? Love your kids, you know, don't, you know, take advantage of the little moments. Really, just show up for your kids.”

— Stephanie Trotter (KTSM)

“If you're a parent, I do not take advantage of that time, do not take advantage of opportunities to do things. Don't waste them.”

— Sebastian Trotter (KTSM)

What’s next

The Trotter family's lawsuit against the Village of Ruidoso, Mayor Lynn Crawford, and River View RV Park has not been filed yet, but will be in the next 10 days.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better disaster preparedness and response in communities vulnerable to extreme weather events, as well as the importance of local governments and businesses taking responsibility for the safety of residents and visitors.