Couple Lost 2 Kids in 2025 Ruidoso Floods Sues

EL PASO, Texas — A couple who lost their two young children to flash flooding in Ruidoso last year is preparing to take legal action. Their goal is not only to seek justice for their family but also to push for changes that could prevent similar tragedies from happening to other children affected by natural disasters.

Sebastian Trotter, the father of 7-year-old Sebastian and 4-year-old Charlotte, shared his thoughts on the devastating event. He mentioned that just four days before the flood, another disaster struck Central Texas, where many young lives were lost. “Making change, not just for the community of Ruidoso, but for everywhere, right?” he said.

KTSM 9 News recently spoke with Sebastian, his wife Stephanie, and their lawyer, Brian Kennedy. The couple plans to file a lawsuit against the Village of Ruidoso, Mayor Lynn Crawford, and River View RV Park. They claim that since the tragedy, they have had no communication from the village or the park owners. However, they noted that El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson has been in constant contact with them.

“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 said.

KTSM reached out to the parties involved in the lawsuit. Mayor Crawford responded with a brief statement: “It was a tragic event, and I cannot comment on this matter at this time.”

Brian Kennedy, the couple’s attorney, confirmed that the lawsuit will be filed within the next 10 days. As previously reported, Sebastian and Charlotte were among three people who died during the flash flooding in July 2025.

The couple described their children as “joyful souls.” After eight months of grief, they have found strength and continue to live for their kids, even though they are no longer physically with them.

“A lot of people say, ‘I don’t know if I could survive if my children passed away,’ but really, we have no choice. We have no choice but to be strong and literally live day by day,” Stephanie said.

Sebastian added, “Your mind every single day is you’re happy to wake up every day, and then you’re happy to do the next day. And you take it day by day sometimes, or like Stephanie said, minute by minute.”

They emphasized that everything they do now is for their children. Whether it’s filing a lawsuit, creating a nonprofit, or renaming the park in honor of their kids, all actions are done in their memory.

According to relatives, the Trotters were camping at River View RV Park along Rio Ruidoso, a small stream that overflowed due to heavy rainfall. The campsite was overwhelmed by the sudden flood, which split their RV in half and pulled the mother and both children into the river.

The father jumped in after them, while the older brother tried to save his sister. Despite their efforts, both children and two family dogs drowned. The couple suffered serious injuries, with the father requiring extensive rehabilitation to regain his strength and mobility.

The family is identified as part of the Fort Bliss community. They remember their children as bright lights in their lives, describing them as amazing and full of life.

When asked what they hope to gain from this tragedy, Stephanie said, “Love your kids, you know, don’t take advantage of the little moments. Really, just show up for your kids.”

Sebastian added, “Just cherish every single day. Wake up, hug your kids first and tell them. Level and rinse and repeat every single day and just don’t take for granted.”

“We really are living for them, because they were so young,” Stephanie concluded.

This is the couple’s first sit-down interview since the tragedy. More of their story will be featured on KTSM 9 News at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m.

This story will be updated throughout the day.