Malaya Hammond Obituary, Death; – A 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life in the Texas floods after assisting her family in exiting their van, which had plunged into the turbulent waters.
The girl, identified by her family to ABC affiliate KVUE as Malaya Hammond, perished in the incident that occurred early on July 5.
Mikki Willis, a family friend, informed KVUE that he and his wife were traveling with Hammond and her family to a Christian summer camp. Unfortunately, the group inadvertently drove their van off a cliff, failing to notice that the Cow Creek Bridge was submerged due to the heavy rainfall and darkness.
“Their van went over the cliff into the raging water, and it was Malaya who managed to open a car door,” Willis stated.
He further mentioned that while everyone else was able to escape the vehicle and make their way to the shore, Hammond became trapped in a current and was swept away. After a search operation lasting three days, the teenager’s body was recovered.
Willis remarked that “the four of them entered the river to find peace with the water and to express gratitude for having located her, providing them with closure,” referring to Hammond’s parents and her two younger siblings.
Willis also noted, “The parents are remarkable, but Malaya set a high standard as the eldest. She was an extraordinary role model for her siblings.” 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. 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.
