05/06/2025
Sending prayers 🙏🏼
Final Update 5-6-2025 1:58 pm - With profound sadness, the City of Brenham confirms that at approximately 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 10-year-old Devah Woods, a third-grade student at Brenham Elementary, was found deceased following a two-day intensive search. She was in Higgins Branch, between FM 2935 and Old Independence Road.
The family has been notified, and responding agencies have concluded their operations. Our hearts are with the Woods family as they navigate this devastating loss. We extend our deepest gratitude to the many local, regional, and state agencies who worked tirelessly in the search and rescue effort, including:
-Brenham Fire Department
-Brenham Police Department
-Washington County EMS
-Washington County Water Search and Rescue
-Washington County Constables
-Washington County Sheriff Department
-Washington County Office of Emergency Management
-Blinn Police Department
-Texas Department of Public Safety (Patrol, Dive Team, Drone Team, and Aviation)
-Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens
-Bryan Water Rescue Team
-Texas Task Force One Water Rescue – Conroe
-Texas Task Force One Water Rescue – San Antonio
-Texas Task Force One Water Rescue – Washington County
-Texas Task Force One – K9 Team
-Texas Department of Emergency Management
-Houston Police Department Dive Team
-Harris County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team
-Bryan Fire Department Search and Rescue
-LCRA Park Rangers
-Texas Rangers
-Meyersville VFD
-Salem VFD
- South Brazos County
- Travis County Star Flight
This tragedy has deeply affected our community. We ask everyone to continue thinking and praying for Devah’s family during this unimaginable time. In the face of heartache, Brenham has shown what it means to come together—with strength, compassion, and unity.
---
Update 7:35 am - This release is from BISD at 6:00 am this morning: Yesterday, during the severe weather that impacted our area, a student from Brenham Elementary was caught in floodwaters and is currently missing. Search efforts remain ongoing.
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. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be shared at this time.
Counseling and support services will be available for students and staff. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate.
We are deeply grateful for the continued efforts of local law enforcement, fire, EMS, specialized rescue teams, and the many community members who have offered their support.
Update 5/6/2025 - 7:00 am - As of 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, search and rescue efforts continue for the 10-year-old female who was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters on Monday afternoon. Search operations continued through the night, utilizing land-based crews, drones with thermal imaging technology, and canine units.
This morning, search efforts include:
- Four Swift Water Rescue Teams resumed operations at 5:30 a.m., including teams from Washington County Search and Rescue and Texas Task Force 1 – Conroe and San Antonio divisions
- Canine units continue their ground search
- Drones are actively scanning the area
- Texas Parks and Wildlife and DPS aircraft and drones are en route to assist from the air
We remain deeply committed to finding this child and bringing her home. We ask the community to continue praying for the child, her family, and all the first responders.
We will share updates as soon as we are able.
5-5-2025
Update 10:20 pm - As of 10:00 p.m., water-based rescue operations are being temporarily scaled back due to another band of heavy thunderstorms moving through the area. Throughout the night, land-based search teams, drones equipped with thermal imaging, and specially trained canines will continue the search for the missing 10-year-old.
Washington County Local swift water rescue teams along with Brenham Fire Department in coordination and collaboration with Texas Division of Emergency management, TXTF1 USAR swift water rescue and TPWD will resume operations at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, as soon as it is safe to do so.
Please continue to keep this precious child, her family, and all the dedicated first responders in your thoughts and prayers.
We will share updates as soon as we are able.
Update 9:24PM - The water search continues for a 10-yr old female. Up to 14 agencies continue to stage along the creek banks. Texas Task Force One and Washington County Search and Rescue remain in the water searching.
Update 7:58 pm - The City of Brenham Fire Department, in coordination with approximately 12 supporting agencies, is actively searching for a school-aged female who was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters at approximately 4:25 p.m. today.
Two Swift Water Rescue teams are currently searching the area near the Burleson Street Bridge. The coordinated search effort extends from the bridge toward Old Independence Road, with multiple agencies assisting in ground and water operations.
With more severe weather anticipated, we ask the community to keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Update 7:05 pm – Two Swift Water Rescue teams are currently searching the waters near Burleson Street Bridge for the missing individual. Various agencies are staged for search from the bridge to Old Independence Rd. There is bad weather on its way so we ask for prayers for the family and all the first responders involved in the search and rescue.
Update 5:44 pm - Brenham FD, Washington County EMS, and several other agencies are on scene near Fireman’s Park for a swift water rescue. One school-aged individual was swept away by quickly rising water. Several rescue attempts were made by people near by. Brenham PD also attempted rescue, swept by the water but rescued downstream and is being treated by EMS. The Swift Water Rescue Team is attempting search and rescue and a 6-member Swift Water Rescue Team from Conroe is in route to assist in the search. More information will be provided as it’s given.
Original Post 5:22 pm: The Swift water rescue team is near Fireman's park due to an incident caused by rising water. More updates will be made on this post when available.
