The body of a 10-year-old girl swept away by rising water in a park Monday afternoon was recovered Tuesday morning, officials said. The girl was identified by her family as Devah Woods.
Authorities located her body around 10 a.m., bringing an end to an intense search that began Monday near Fireman's Park. The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. Monday as storms moved through the area.
Devah had been walking home from Brenham Elementary School with her sister when she was caught in the swiftly moving water near a bridge. Her sister was able to reach safety.
A neighbor attempted to grab the girl initially, but the water was too strong, according to fire officials. A Brenham Police officer also entered the water but was unable to make contact.
The search and Water Rescue operation continued through Monday night, utilizing land-based teams, drones with thermal imaging technology, and canine units despite a temporary scale back of water operations due to renewed storms.
Tuesday morning, swift water rescue teams, including divisions from Texas Task Force 1, resumed operations. Canine units continued ground searches, and drones scanned the area. Texas Parks and Wildlife and DPS aircraft and drones were en route to assist from the air, focusing efforts around the Burleson Street Bridge near Old Independence Road.
More than a dozen agencies participated in the operation led by the Brenham Fire Department, with assistance from Washington County EMS and regional partners.
Melinda Gordon, with the City of Brenham, commented on the conditions. "This was a quickly rising creek that nobody could have seen coming," Gordon said.
Brenham ISD shared a statement expressing condolences and confirming counseling and support services are available for students and staff.
