Devah Woods, 10, Tragically Lost in Texas Flooding After School Bus Incident; Body Recovered Following Intensive Search
On Monday, May 5, 2025, the community of Brenham, Texas, was struck by a devastating tragedy when 10-year-old Devah Woods was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters shortly after disembarking from her school bus. Despite the valiant efforts of local and state rescue teams, her body was recovered the following morning, marking a somber end to an 18-hour search operation. This incident highlights the severe impact of sudden flash flooding and underscores the critical importance of preparedness and swift response in such emergencies.
The Incident
Devah Woods, a student at Brenham Elementary School, was returning home with her sibling around 4:25 p.m. on Monday when they encountered unexpectedly swift floodwaters near Fireman’s Park. The siblings were walking along a bridge when the water levels surged rapidly due to heavy rainfall. Her sibling managed to reach safety and sought help, but Devah was tragically swept away by the current. Bystanders attempted to assist, and a police officer nearly drowned in a rescue attempt. The area between Burleson Street Bridge and Old Independence Road became the focal point of the search efforts.
Search and Recovery Efforts
An extensive search operation was launched immediately, involving over 16 agencies, including local fire and police departments, Texas Emergency Management, and swift-water rescue teams. The search area spanned from Burleson Street Bridge to Old Independence Road. Despite inclement weather and heavy thunderstorms that temporarily halted water-based search efforts at 10 p.m., land-based teams with K-9 units and thermal imaging drones continued overnight. Operations resumed early Tuesday morning, and Devah’s body was found around 7:20 a.m. The recovery was a somber moment for the community and the dedicated rescue teams involved.
Community and School District Response
The Brenham Independent School District expressed deep condolences to the Woods family and offered counseling services to students and staff affected by the tragedy. The district emphasized the importance of community support during such challenging times. Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura also extended his sympathies, acknowledging the difficult conditions faced by rescue teams and the community’s collective grief.(AP News, People.com)
Weather Conditions and Flooding Context
The flooding incident occurred amid severe storms that brought as much as 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain over a span of six to eight hours in some areas from central Texas to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The National Weather Service reported that the rains washed out some roads west of Waco, exacerbating the flooding situation. In Washington County, where Brenham is located, the city received 16.62 inches of rain on Thursday, breaking the daily rainfall record. The heavy rainfall led to swollen rivers and widespread flooding, prompting numerous high-water rescues in the Houston area, including some from the rooftops of flooded homes.(News and Sentinel, WMUR, FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth)
Statewide Impact and Ongoing Threats
The severe weather system affected a large portion of Texas, including southeastern regions and parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Flood watches remained in effect across these areas, with forecasts predicting up to six inches of rain in some regions. Strong rip currents and flooding along Gulf-facing beaches, especially during high tides, were also in the forecast. These conditions followed recent severe storms in Texas and Oklahoma that caused widespread flooding and disruption to transportation.(AP News)
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Devah Woods serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of flash flooding and the importance of community preparedness and swift response. As the community of Brenham mourns this loss, it also stands united in its commitment to supporting the Woods family and ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents.
Note: The information provided is based on available reports and may be subject to updates as new details emerge.
