Mystery substance that killed 3 in New Mexico home identified as fentanyl
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Authorities on Friday identified the mystery substance that hospitalized more than a dozen first responders after they responded to a New Mexico home where three people died in a suspected overdose incident.
Officials said first responders were exposed to fentanyl after arriving at a home in Mountainair, New Mexico, where four people were found unresponsive.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third later died at the University of New Mexico Hospital. A fourth person survived.
“Preliminary results indicate that this incident is related to exposure to a powdered opioid substance in the home, and an on-site DEA laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and para-fluorofentanyl, also known as fentanyl P4,” New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom said at a news conference.
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New Mexico State Police are responding to a home in Mountainair, New Mexico, where authorities say several people died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and then treated at a hospital. (Savannah Peters/AP Photo)
“It’s a more illicit form or version of fentanyl,” he added.
Authorities said the drugs were found in powder form.
Authorities said 25 people were exposed to the substance, 20 of whom were hospitalized for treatment before being released.
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New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom, center, provides an update during a news conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Friday, May 22, 2026, regarding an investigation into the deaths of three people in Torrance County and potential exposure to fentanyl for first responders who responded to the call. (Susan Montoya Bryan/AP Photo)
Two people remain hospitalized after arriving in serious condition, police said.
Authorities identified two of the deceased as Micah Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49.
The survivor and one of the deceased were given the overdose drug Narcan.
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A New Mexico State Police vehicle blocks a neighborhood in Mountainair, New Mexico, where authorities say several people died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and then treated at a hospital. (Savannah Peters/AP Photo)
Authorities said many first responders began experiencing symptoms, including 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 recognize the first responders who have become ill in the line of duty.”
Torrance County Fire Chief Gary Smith said firefighters did not enter the home wearing hazmat protection because the situation did not initially appear to require it.
He added that officials would review response procedures in the future.
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A hazardous materials team investigates a chemical exposure site during an ongoing investigation. (KRQE)
“I mean, we’re only as good as our last call, right?” Smith said. “We are going to do several debriefs over the next two weeks to find out where our strengths and weaknesses were.”
The incident remains under investigation.
