Colorado Man Dies In Flash Flood In Northern New Mexico

BLANCO, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a Colorado man who was a former New Mexico police officer has died trying to drive across a flooded wash.

San Juan County deputies say a vehicle was reported to be sinking in a flooded arroyo Friday afternoon south of Blanco.

It took fire and police units two hours to reach the Ford F-150 because of rain and severe flooding.

Authorities say an officer recovered the driver's body and identified him as Derek Mohler, a former Bloomfield Police Department sergeant.

They say the 33-year-old lived in Durango and worked for an oil and gas company.

According to investigators, Mohler tried to cross the wash and the raging water caused the truck to roll several times.

He is survived by a wife, a 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son.