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Malaya Hammond, 17, died while rescuing her family during Texas floods. She helped them escape a submerged van before being swept away. Her bravery is being honored nationwide, including via a fundraiser.
Malaya Hammond's family (Image source: X/ @polishprincessh)
UPDATED: Jul 11, 2025 02:08 IST
A 17-year-old girl lost her life in the catastrophic Texas floods after helping her family escape from a submerged car swept into raging waters. The teenager, Malaya Hammond, died in the early hours of July 5 while travelling to a Christian summer camp with her family and friends.
According to Mikki Willis, a close family friend who was travelling with them, the group was unaware that the Cow Creek Bridge in central Texas had been flooded due to heavy rainfall. In the darkness, their van veered off the road and fell into the fast-moving waters below. “It was Malaya who managed to open the car door and help others get out,” Willis told KVUE.
While all the passengers initially escaped the van, Malaya was swept away by the strong current as they attempted to reach the riverbank. Her body was found three days later, according to People.com.
REMEMBERING MALAYA
Malaya was remembered as a strong and inspiring presence in her family. "She set the tone as the eldest sibling," Willis said, adding that she was a role model to her younger siblings.
Her school also mourned her deeply, posting a condolence message online that included a verse from John 11:25, reflecting Malaya's Christian faith.
As reported by People.com, a GiveSendGo campaign has raised over $136,000 to support the Hammond family with funeral and related expenses.
At least 120 people have died due to the floods in Texas, with more than 170 still missing, according to reports. Among the confirmed fatalities were 27 campers and counsellors from Camp Mystic.
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Published By:
Rivanshi Rakhrai
Published On:
Jul 11, 2025
