Heroic 17-Year-Old Girl Sacrifices Life to Save Family from Texas Floodwaters

At 5 a.m. Saturday, a family’s summer camp trip turned tragic when their vehicle was engulfed by floodwaters in Marble Falls, Texas. Seventeen-year-old Malaya Hammond acted swiftly to save her loved ones from the rising tide.

As the van plunged off a submerged bridge, Malaya opened the door, allowing her parents, Liz and Matthew, along with her younger siblings, Khalil, 16, and Surya, 14, to escape. A family friend, Mikki Willis, recounted the harrowing moment, stating that “in total darkness, they fought to stay above water.” However, the relentless current swept Malaya away.

Desperate searches ensued, with family members scouring the area “day and night — by land, air, and water,” according to Willis. Tragically, Malaya’s body was discovered two days later.

Willis expressed the family's profound sorrow, noting, “The family is going through the unthinkable right now.” She highlighted Malaya’s character, describing her as “one of the most gentle, compassionate young women” anyone could know.

In response to this heartbreaking loss, an online fundraiser has garnered over $144,000 as of Friday morning, reflecting the community's support for the grieving family.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather conditions and the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to protect their loved ones.