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Lela Holland, Jimmy Wayne Schaeffer, and a 10-Year-Old Girl from Brenham, Texas, Tragically Lost in Flash Floods Amid Severe Storms
On the evening of Monday, May 5, 2025, the city of Brenham, Texas, was struck by a devastating flash flood that led to the tragic loss of three lives: Lela Holland, 64; Jimmy Wayne Schaeffer, 49; and a 10-year-old girl whose identity remains undisclosed. The floodwaters, which rose rapidly due to severe thunderstorms, overwhelmed the region, causing widespread damage and prompting urgent rescue operations.(FOX 26 Houston)
The Tragic Events:
Around 4:25 p.m. on May 5, the 10-year-old girl was swept away by fast-moving floodwaters near a street bridge in Brenham. Despite immediate efforts by the Brenham Fire Department and multiple agencies, including the use of drones and thermal imaging, the search was hampered by worsening weather conditions. The girl remains missing as of the latest reports .(Houston Chronicle, AP News)
Earlier in the week, on Thursday, May 2, Lela Holland, a 64-year-old resident of Washington, Texas, tragically died when floodwaters overwhelmed her home. Despite rescue attempts, crews were unable to reach her in time .(FOX 26 Houston)
On the same day, Jimmy Wayne Schaeffer, 49, from Brenham, drove his pickup truck into high water. Although he managed to get into the truck bed, he was swept away by the rising waters. His body was later recovered along Prairie Hill Road near Kuykendall Creek .(FOX 26 Houston)
Rescue Efforts and Community Response:
In response to the flash floods, the Brenham Fire Department, along with approximately a dozen other agencies, initiated an intensive search operation for the missing 10-year-old girl. The operation utilized drones equipped with thermal imaging and search dogs. However, as severe thunderstorms moved through the area, the water rescue operation had to be scaled back .(AP News)
The community has rallied together, with local residents offering support to the affected families and first responders. The Brenham Fire Department has requested prayers for the missing girl’s family and all the first responders involved in the search and rescue efforts .(Houston Chronicle)
Widespread Impact of the Storms:
The severe weather that struck Brenham is part of a larger system affecting southeastern Texas. Forecasters warn that additional storms could bring up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rain to parts of the region on Tuesday, May 6. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for large portions of Texas and neighboring states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi .(AP News)
The storms have already caused significant disruptions, including flooding, road washouts, and numerous flight delays and cancellations, primarily in southern Oklahoma and northern Texas. Authorities are urging caution as the weather is expected to deteriorate further.(AP News)
Conclusion:
The tragic losses in Brenham serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and devastating nature of flash floods. As rescue efforts continue and the community mourns, our thoughts are with the families of Lela Holland, Jimmy Wayne Schaeffer, and the missing 10-year-old girl. Their stories underscore the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of severe weather events.(FOX 26 Houston)
