BRENHAM CHILD SWEPT AWAY BY FLOODWATERS PASSES AWAY

  

A 10-year-old girl who was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters Monday afternoon in Brenham has passed away.

City of Brenham and Washington County officials confirmed at a press conference this (Tuesday) afternoon that the body of Devah Woods, a third grader at Brenham Elementary School, was found around 10 a.m. today. 

Numerous agencies were involved in the search and recovery response, which began Monday afternoon and continued overnight.

Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura said he is thankful for the community’s response to the tragedy and their support of the family impacted, including Devah’s mother, Veronica Williams. 

Brenham Fire Chief Mark Donovan said the Brenham Fire Department received notice of a water rescue around 4:30 p.m. Monday in the vicinity of Burleson Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.  The full list of responding agencies includes:

• Brenham Fire Department
• Brenham Police Department
• Washington County EMS
• Washington County Water Search and Rescue
• Washington County Constables
• Washington County Office of Emergency Management
• Blinn Police Department
• Texas Department of Public Safety (Patrol, Dive Team, Drone Team, and Aviation)
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens
• Bryan Water Rescue Team
• Texas Task Force One Water Rescue – Conroe
• Texas Task Force One Water Rescue – San Antonio
• Texas Task Force One Water Rescue – Washington County
• Texas Task Force One – K9 Team
• Texas Department of Emergency Management
• Houston Police Department Dive Team
• Harris County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team
• Bryan Fire Department Search and Rescue
• LCRA Park Rangers
• Texas Rangers
• Meyersville VFD
• Salem VFD
• South Brazos County
• Travis County Star Flight

Donovan said after Woods’ body was located, the mission became a recovery effort, and the Brenham Police Department took over the scene.  Brenham Police Lieutenant Steven Eilert said he was notified around 10:45 a.m. today by DPS’ dive team that Woods had been found.

The case remains under investigation with the Brenham Police Department.

The City of Brenham says, “Our hearts are with the Woods family as they navigate this devastating loss.” 

Brenham ISD says, “Our hearts are broken for Devah’s family, and we ask that you continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.”  The district says counseling and support services are available for all students and staff in need.