In the small, tight-knit community of Brenham, Texas, a tragedy unfolded on Monday afternoon that left residents reeling with grief. Devah Woods, a vibrant 10-year-old girl with a bright smile and a promising future, was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters as she walked home from her school bus stop. The devastating incident occurred near Fireman’s Park, a place typically filled with laughter and play, but on this day, it became the site of an unthinkable loss. Despite an exhaustive 18-hour search by local and state rescue teams, Devah’s body was recovered on Tuesday morning, plunging her family and the community into mourning.
The events leading to this heartbreak began on Monday, May 5, 2025, when severe storms battered southern Oklahoma and northern Texas, bringing heavy rainfall that caused creeks and waterways to swell dangerously. Devah, a student at Brenham Elementary School, was walking home with her sibling along a bridge near Burleson Street when the creek below surged with swift, muddy water. In moments, the situation turned dire. Devah’s sibling managed to reach safety and alert others, but the powerful current overwhelmed Devah, pulling her into the raging waters. A neighbor, witnessing the horrifying scene, bravely dove into the creek and briefly grasped Devah’s hand, but the force of the flood was too strong, and he was unable to hold on. A Brenham police officer also attempted a rescue, only to be swept away himself before being pulled to safety downstream and treated by emergency medical services.
The search for Devah began immediately, with the Brenham Fire Department leading a coordinated effort that grew to include more than a dozen agencies, including Texas Task Force 1, Washington County Search and Rescue, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Four swift-water rescue teams, drones equipped with thermal imaging, and specially trained canines scoured the creek banks and waters near the Burleson Street Bridge. Local boat owners offered their vessels to aid law enforcement, and the community rallied in support, with many taking to social media to express their prayers and hopes for Devah’s safe return. Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura, visibly moved, praised the “phenomenal” response but noted the challenge posed by the swift-moving water, which complicated rescue efforts.
As the search stretched into Tuesday morning, the weather remained a looming threat. Forecasters warned of additional heavy rainfall across the Houston area and Texas coast, raising fears of further flooding. The National Weather Service in Houston predicted up to six inches of rain in parts of southeastern Texas, with strong rip currents and flooding risks along Gulf-facing beaches. Against this backdrop, the search teams pressed on, driven by a determination to bring closure to Devah’s family.
At a press conference just before noon on Tuesday, Brenham Police Chief Mark Donovan delivered the heart-wrenching news: a DPS dive team had recovered Devah’s body. Her family, present at the scene, shared that Devah and her sister had been caught off guard by the sudden rise of the creek, a cruel reminder of nature’s unpredictability. The Brenham Independent School District, where Devah was a beloved student, announced that counseling services would be available to students and staff, respecting the family’s privacy by withholding further details about her identity.
Devah’s death marks a somber chapter in a region already grappling with the impacts of severe weather. Just weeks earlier, storms along the Texas-Mexico border had claimed lives and stranded hundreds, underscoring the growing threat of extreme weather events. In Brenham, the loss of a young life has left an indelible mark. Community members have begun organizing vigils and fundraisers to support Devah’s family, reflecting the town’s resilience and unity in the face of tragedy.
As Brenham mourns, Devah Woods will be remembered for her infectious spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community in times of sorrow. For now, the town holds her family close, offering love and support as they navigate an unimaginable loss.