Search teams have found the body of a ten year old girl who was caught in flash flooding Monday afternoon in Central Texas. The Brenham Fire Department says Devah Woods was walking home from school with her sister when water started rising as they crossed a bridge.
Woods was swept away, and her sister went for help. The Brenham Fire Department says several bystanders and police officers tried to save Woods, but they could not reach her.
A Brenham Police officer was also swept away trying to save the girl, but he was rescued downstream and treated by paramedics on the scene.
The Brenham Fire Department staged two swift water rescue teams. Texas A&M Task Force 1, an urban search and rescue team, joined the search along with 14 agencies from as far away as San Antonio.
"Those rescue efforts included local resources, regional resources, and later, state resources," says Brenham Fire Chief Mark Donovan.
Teams also used drones and K9s to search for Woods.
"We're a very, very special community," says Mayor Atwood Kenjura. "We're a very tight-knit Christian community. The response from everyone was overwhelming."
Brenham ISD says Woods was a student at Brenham Elementary. The district says counselors are available at the school, and the district thanked community members and the agencies which have supported the search.
"Our hearts are with the student’s family, and we ask our community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," Brenham ISD wrote in a letter to parents when the search was ongoing.