17-Year-Old Girl Dies in Texas Floods After Rescuing Family from Submerged Van

Malaya Hammond was “an incredible role model,” loved ones said

Gabrielle Rockson

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Gabrielle Rockson

Gabrielle Rockson is a staff writer-reporter for PEOPLE. She joined PEOPLE in 2023 and covers entertainment and human interest stories. She’s interviewed David Beckham, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet and many others. Her previous work can be found in OK! Magazine, MyLondon, GRM Daily, and more.

• A 17-year-old girl has died in the Texas floods after helping her family exit their van that fell into the raging waters on July 5
• Malaya Hammond was swept away in a current while she and her family tried to make their way to shore
• At least 120 people have been killed in the Texas floods, with 173 people unaccounted for

A 17-year-old girl has died in the Texas floods after helping her family exit their van that fell into the raging waters.

The girl — identified by family members to ABC affiliate KVUE as Malaya Hammond — died in the incident early on July 5.

Family friend Mikki Willis told KVUE that he and his wife had been traveling with Hammond and her family to a Christian summer camp.

However, the group ended up driving their van off a cliff after not noticing that the Cow Creek Bridge had been flooded, thanks to the heavy rain and darkness.

“Their van went over the cliff into the raging water, and it was Malaya who was the one that was able to get a car door open,” Willis said. 

He added that while everyone was able to exit the vehicle and head towards the shore, Hammond got stuck in a current and was swept away. After a three-day search operation, the teenager’s body was found.

“The four of them went into the river to make peace with the water and to give thanks that they had found her and that they have closure,” Willis said of Hammond’s parents and younger two siblings.

“The parents are amazing, but Malaya also set the standard as the oldest. So she was an incredible role model for her siblings,” Willis added. 

Hammond’s school also paid tribute to the late student.

“We are so sad to share the news that Malaya Hammond has passed away. 🙏,” the school wrote. “As we grieve, let us be encouraged by the words of Jesus, Malaya’s Savior and Friend, ‘I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.’ John 11:25.”

A GiveSendGo campaign to help Hammond’s family with funeral arrangements and more has so far raised over $136,000.

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According to NBC News, at least 120 people have been killed in the Texas floods, with 173 people still unaccounted for.

Among those who have died are 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, the all-girls camp announced.

To learn how to help support the victims and recovery efforts from the Texas floods, click here.