BRENHAM, Texas – Despite tireless efforts by multiple agencies and rescue teams to find a 10-year-old girl who was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters in Brenham on Monday, her family has shared a heartbreaking update.
Crews spent all of Monday into Tuesday morning searching with multiple specialized crews on the ground and in the air. Efforts resumed in the morning as well with four Swift Water Rescue Teams, canine units, drones with thermal imaging, and air support from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Public Safety.
Family, however, confirmed the 10-year-old girl’s identity as Devah Woods with KPRC 2’s Re’Chelle Turner.
Brenham ISD also confirmed Devah as one of their own and shared the district’s heartbreak over the situation.
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She was a student at Brenham Elementary School and was walking home with a sibling when she was caught in the current after already crossing Higgins Branch Creek. A nearby neighbor witnessed HER being swept away and immediately jumped in to help, but the water’s force was too strong.
A Brenham police officer also attempted to rescue her downstream but was unsuccessful. Both the neighbor and the officer were treated at the scene.
What happened?
According to the fire department, the child was swept away by quickly rising water around 4:25 p.m. Several people who were nearby attempted to rescue the child.
Brenham Police also attempted to rescue the child, but were unsuccessful.
The Brenham Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team is attempting search and rescue, and another six-member swift water rescue team was called from Conroe to help.
“Two Swift Water Rescue teams are currently searching the area near the Burleson Street Bridge. The coordinated search effort extends from the bridge toward Old Independence Road, with multiple agencies assisting in ground and water operations. With more severe weather anticipated, we ask the community to keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time,” the Brenham Fire Department said.
Brenham FD shared the following statement at 10 p.m. Monday:
“Water-based rescue operations are being temporarily scaled back due to another band of heavy thunderstorms moving through the area. Throughout the night, land-based search teams, drones equipped with thermal imaging, and specially trained canines will continue the search for the missing 10-year-old.
“Washington County Local swift water rescue teams, along with Brenham Fire Department in coordination and collaboration with Texas Division of Emergency Management, TXTF1 USAR swift water rescue, and TPWD will resume operations at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Please continue to keep this precious child, her family, and all the dedicated first responders in your thoughts and prayers.”
KPRC 2 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.