Couple died of natural causes

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

RED VALLEY — Navajo Nation criminal investigators have determined that the death of the elderly Navajo couple found dead in a wash Wednesday afternoon is due to accidental and natural causes.

Elmer Benallie, 73, and wife Lucille Benallie, 70, were last seen by their family during the afternoon of March 27, when they were tending to their cattle in Mitten Rock.

They were reported missing on Monday, and a ground and air search was initiated by several agencies. Family volunteers located the couple and their green Ford truck around 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon approximately one mile from their home.

A press release from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations stated that there was "no evidence or indication of criminality as a factor."

Investigators said the scene investigation revealed the couple was apparently dislodging a stuck ATV from a wash when the truck they were using also became stuck in the wash.

Elmer Benallie apparently suffered a heart attack while in the he process of trying to free the vehicle and attempting to aid his wife who investigators said was apparently injured in the process.

Lucille's body was found underneath the truck, and Elmer's body was found between the truck and the ATV. Police said she may have been trying to keep warm by lying underneath the truck.

Investigators believe that Lucille Benallie remained with her husband after he was incapacitated and succumbed to hypothermia. Elmer Benallie was diabetic, and Lucille Benallie had to used a cane for walking. They believe that their pre-existing medical conditions contributed largely to their death.