A Texas teenager is being hailed as a hero after she helped her family escape their van before being swept away and killed in a flash flood.
On July 5th, 17-year-old Malaya Hammond and her family were driving through the Hill Country shortly after 5 a.m. when torrential rain obscured their view of a washed-out bridge. Their minivan plunged into the flood-swollen river, according to a family friend, Mikki Willis.
In the darkness and chaos, Malaya managed to pry open a door, allowing her parents and two younger brothers to escape. The Hammonds fought to stay above water and find land, but Malaya was pulled under by the current.
For two days, family and volunteers searched by air, land, and water. On the morning of July 7, her body was found upright beneath a tree, surrounded by nature.
In the aftermath, the grieving family returned to the river where Malaya was lost "to make peace with it, and to bless Malaya's ascending spirit."
Their story has drawn national attention as a symbol of selflessness and quiet bravery amid tragedy. A fundraiser organized by family friends has since raised money to help the Hammonds recover their belongings, replace their vehicle, and cover funeral costs.
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