Mystery substance that killed 3 in New Mexico home identified as fentanyl
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Authorities detected the mysterious substance Friday that sent more than a dozen first responders to the hospital after responding to a New Mexico home where three people died in a suspected overdose.
After first responders arrived at a home in Mountainair, New Mexico, four people were found unresponsive and exposed to fentanyl, authorities said.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died later at the University of New Mexico Hospital. A fourth person survived.
“Preliminary findings indicate that this incident is linked to exposure to powdered opioid substance in the home, and DEA laboratory analysis at the scene confirmed the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and para-fluorophentanyl, also called P4 fentanyl,” New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom said at a news conference.
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New Mexico State Police responded to a home in Mountainair, NM, where authorities say multiple people died and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and later treated at a hospital on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (Savannah Peters/AP Photo)
“This is a more illicit form or version of fentanyl,” he added.
Authorities said the drug was found in powder form.
Officials said 25 people were exposed to the substance and 20 were hospitalized for treatment before being released.
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New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom, center, gave an update on an investigation into the deaths of three people in Torrance County and the potential for fentanyl exposure for first responders responding to the call during a press conference Friday, May 22, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Susan Montoya Bryan/AP Photo)
Police said two people were taken to hospital in serious condition.
Authorities identified two of the dead as 51-year-old Micah Rascon and 49-year-old Georgia Rascon.
Both the survivor and one of the deceased overdosed on Narcan.
FENTANYL EXPOSURE FORCES COURTROOM EVACUATION DURING ACTIVE TRIAL
A New Mexico State Police vehicle blocks off a neighborhood in Mountainair, N.M., where authorities say multiple people died and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and later treated at a hospital Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (Savannah Peters/AP Photo)
Officials said many first responders began experiencing symptoms such as nausea and dizziness.
“These men and women responded to a dangerous situation while working to protect lives and secure the scene,” Broom said. “We especially appreciate first responders who become ill while performing their duties.”
Firefighters did not enter the home with hazmat protection because the situation did not initially appear to warrant it, Torrance County Fire Chief Gary Smith said.
He added that authorities will review their intervention procedures in the future.
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The hazmat team is investigating the area of chemical exposure during an ongoing investigation. (KRQE)
“So, we’re only as good as our last call, right?” Smith said. “We’ll be having a lot of informational meetings over the next week or two to find out where our strengths and weaknesses are.”
The investigation of the incident continues.
