Tragedy in Brenham, Texas
A devastating incident occurred in Brenham, Texas, on Monday, May 5, 2025, when a 10-year-old girl was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters. The girl, a student at Brenham Elementary School, was last seen at around 4 p.m. on Monday.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Teams of people, including four swift water rescue teams, scoured the city of Brenham on Monday night, using drones with thermal imaging and dogs to try to find the girl. The water rescue operation was scaled back overnight when heavy thunderstorms moved through the area, but resumed early Tuesday. The Brenham Fire Department was working with around a dozen supporting agencies to find the girl.
Body Recovered
Unfortunately, the body of the 10-year-old girl was recovered on Tuesday, according to Brenham Police Chief Mark Donovan. The recovery of the girl’s body was made as forecasters warned that Tuesday could bring more heavy rains and flooding to the Houston area and the state’s coast.
Support for the Family and Community
The Brenham Independent School District announced that support services will be available for students and staff. The district expressed its condolences to the student’s family, saying "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."
Weather Forecast
The National Weather Service in Houston warned that the next round of severe storms could bring as much as 6 inches of rain to parts of southeastern Texas on Tuesday. Strong rip currents and flooding along Gulf-facing beaches, especially during high tides, were also forecasted. A large swath of Texas and parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi were under flood watches early Tuesday.
Recent Storms
This incident comes just a week after storms drenched much of southern Oklahoma and northern Texas, washing out roads and causing hundreds of flights to be canceled or delayed at major airports.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of the 10-year-old girl in Brenham, Texas, is a reminder of the dangers of flooding and the importance of being prepared for severe weather. As the community comes together to support the girl’s family, it is essential to stay informed about the weather forecast and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community during this difficult time.
