Devah Woods: A Community Mourns the Loss of a Bright Young Life in the Wake of Tragic Flooding in Brenham, Texas
The small town of Brenham, Texas, is reeling from the devastating loss of 10-year-old Devah Woods, a third-grade student at Brenham Elementary School. On the afternoon of Monday, May 5, 2025, Devah was tragically swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters while walking home from school with her sister. Despite valiant rescue efforts by bystanders and a police officer, both were unsuccessful. The community has come together to honor her memory and support her grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.
The Events of May 5, 2025
Around 4:25 p.m. on May 5, Devah and her sister were walking home from Brenham Elementary School when a severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding in the area. The floodwaters rose rapidly, overwhelming the girls as they neared a street bridge near Fireman’s Park. Devah was swept away by the swift current, while her sister managed to escape and call for help.(Houston Chronicle)
A police officer who attempted to rescue Devah was also swept away by the floodwaters but was safely recovered and treated for minor injuries. Despite immediate attempts by bystanders and emergency responders, Devah could not be located that evening.(People.com)
Search and Recovery Efforts
The following day, a comprehensive two-day search operation was launched, involving over 24 local agencies, including the Brenham Fire Department, Washington County EMS, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Task Force 1 (TXTF1) Urban Search and Rescue, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and a swift-water rescue team from Conroe. The search utilized drones equipped with thermal imaging, trained canines, and ground teams to locate Devah.(Houston Chronicle, People.com)
After a challenging overnight search, Devah’s body was discovered at approximately 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, about 1.2 miles from where she was last seen. The recovery operation was conducted by a dive team from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Brenham Fire Chief Mark Donovan confirmed the recovery, and city officials, along with Devah’s grieving family, gathered for a somber news conference. The tight-knit Brenham community has rallied support, and counseling services are being provided at her school.(AP News)
Community Response and Support
In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Brenham has come together to support Devah’s family and honor her memory. The Brenham Independent School District has offered counseling and support services to students and staff affected by the loss. City officials, including Mayor Atwood Kenjura, have expressed deep condolences and praised the unity and compassion shown during the crisis. Mayor Kenjura emphasized the deep community bond and expressed sorrow over the loss, calling it one of the most difficult challenges he has faced during his time in office.(Houston Chronicle)
The community has also organized memorial services and fundraising efforts to assist the Woods family during this difficult time. Residents have expressed their grief and solidarity through social media, sharing memories of Devah and offering support to her family.
Broader Impact of the Flooding
Devah’s tragic death is part of a broader pattern of devastation caused by severe flooding in Washington County and surrounding areas. The region experienced heavy rainfall, with reports indicating that between 17 and 22 inches of rain fell in the county within a few hours, leading to widespread flooding and damage to roadways and structures. In addition to Devah, four other individuals have been confirmed dead in Washington County due to the flooding. The flooding has also resulted in numerous water rescues and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.(FOX 26 Houston)
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identities of the four people who died in the storms and flooding. Lela Holland, 64, a resident of the town of Washington, died when floodwaters overwhelmed her home. Crews were unable to rescue her. Brenham resident Jimmy Wayne Schaeffer, 49, had driven his pickup truck into high water. Witnesses reported that Schaeffer was able to get into the truck bed but was swept away by the rising waters. His body was recovered along Prairie Hill Road near Kuykendall Creek.(FOX 26 Houston)
The severe weather has prompted local officials to declare a disaster and request assistance from state and federal agencies. Efforts are underway to provide relief to affected residents and begin the process of rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
Remembering Devah Woods
Devah Woods was a bright and promising young student at Brenham Elementary School. Teachers and classmates remember her as a kind and enthusiastic learner who brought joy to the classroom. Her family describes her as a loving daughter and sister, full of life and always eager to help others. Devah’s tragic death has left an indelible mark on the Brenham community, which continues to mourn her loss and support her family.
In honor of Devah’s memory, the community has established a memorial fund to assist her family with funeral expenses and other needs. Residents are encouraged to contribute and participate in upcoming memorial services to celebrate Devah’s life and legacy.
Conclusion
The loss of Devah Woods is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected the Brenham community and beyond. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather events and the importance of preparedness and safety measures. As the community continues to grieve, they find solace in their unity and the support they offer one another during this difficult time.
Devah’s family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and kindness from the community. They ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the memorial fund established in Devah’s name to assist with funeral expenses and support services for the family.
As Brenham moves forward, the memory of Devah Woods will remain a beacon of light, reminding all of the importance of community, compassion, and the enduring spirit of a young life lost too soon.
