Two U.S. Embassy instructors and two Chihuahua state police officials died in an accident  Sunday after an operation to dismantle six narco-labs in the Sierra Tarahumara. 

The deaths occurred when the vehicle fell into a ravine while traveling on a highway connecting the municipalities of Morelos and Cuachochi in southwest Chihuahua.

The U.S. Embassy officials, identified as “instructors … participating in training work as part of a regular exchange of security cooperation,” have not been identified. 

A U.S. Embassy spokesman said the men were “collaborating with the Chihuahua authorities in the fight against cartel activities.” The narco-labs targeted by the operation allegedly belong to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Initial reports indicated the van in which the victims were riding skidded and went off the road. Some reports indicated the vehicle exploded after the driver lost control; others reported it exploded after landing at the bottom of the ravine.

An investigation is ongoing amid speculation that the incident could have been a premeditated attack. 

Chihuahua Attorney General César Jáuregui identified the state agents as Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes, director general of the Chihuahua Investigation Agency, and Manuel Genaro Méndez Montes, a ministerial police officer.

The accident, which occurred around 2 a.m., was communicated to the media by Júaregui about 12 hours later.

In a social media post shortly after Júaregui’s announcement, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson lamented the deaths of the U.S. Embassy personnel and the state agents while insisting the mission to advance the shared commitment to security and justice will continue with greater determination.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two U.S. Embassy personnel, the Director of Chihuahua’s State Investigation Agency (AEI), and an AEI officer in this accident. We honor their dedication and tireless efforts to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time. Our…

— Embajador Ronald Johnson (@USAmbMex) April 19, 2026

“We honor their dedication and tireless efforts to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones.”

Johnson described the tragedy as “a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those Mexican and U.S. officials who are dedicated to protecting our communities.”  

Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos paid tribute to Oseguera, who had been on the job just seven months, saying he died while “working for the peace and security of Chihuahua residents.”

President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said she was unaware the U.S. Embassy was working with Chihuahua officials to combat drug cartels. 

She told reporters that she has requested information from the Chihuahua government and asked Ambassador Johnson to meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Velasco to clarify the presence of U.S. personnel on Mexican soil.

With reports from La Jornada, El Financiero, CNN, The Guardian, CBS, Zeta and Reuters