A long drive took a wrong turn in the dark, leading a Texas family into a deadly flood. The early hours of July 5, 2025, became a nightmare as central Texas faced devastating floods.
Malaya’s Brave Act Saves Siblings
Seventeen-year-old Malaya Grace Hammond acted quickly to save her younger siblings and a friend. She sacrificed her own life in the process. The family left Marble Falls around 4:30 a.m. in a van. Alongside Malaya were her parents, Matthew and Liz, and siblings Khalil (16), Surya (13), and Surya’s friend Opal (14). They were driving to a summer camp in the Ozarks.
Wrong Turn Leads to Disaster
After seeing flooded routes on weather maps, the family changed course. Minutes later, their van crossed a collapsed bridge. Matthew tried to stop, but the vehicle plunged into the river. As the water rose, the family sang “Rise and Shine, and Give God the Glory.” Matthew told everyone to roll down the windows. Malaya opened the sliding door, helping the kids escape.
Family Struggles in the Water
Matthew and Liz swam out. Matthew spotted Malaya about 15 feet away, calmly floating on her back and singing. “That was the last we saw her,” he said. Malaya was the best swimmer and stayed composed.
Liz, who swallowed water, reached the riverbank and grabbed a tree branch, where Khalil had also found safety. Opal called 911 while holding onto a tree, and Khalil helped her ashore.
Search for Malaya Ends in Heartbreak
Matthew and Khalil searched in darkness. They found Surya walking through nearby fields but not Malaya. The family spent the weekend searching by land, air, and water. On July 7, Matthew saw his son crying and knew Malaya had been found lifeless, wrapped in cedar branches.
“She looked so peaceful,” Matthew recalled. “I wanted her to wake up. I thought, if Jesus could raise Lazarus, why not my daughter?” But she never woke.
Remembering Malaya Grace
Volunteer fire chief Michael Phillips went missing while searching for Malaya. Matthew described his daughter as “the most loving person I have ever known” — kind, caring, and always helping others. Like her parents, she was a musician who loved singing and harmonizing.
Malaya’s father reflected on her spirit: “Underneath the surface of chaos is harmony. Malaya Grace lived to harmonize with others.”
Family’s Commitment to Healing
Matthew and Liz now focus on helping others who have lost loved ones. “The only way to heal is to serve those hurting,” Matthew said.
Friends Mikki Willis and Steve Vincent helped set up fundraisers to assist the family with funeral and flood-related costs.
Malaya was to be a counselor at the summer camp her siblings were attending. The community mourns her loss and sends condolences to the Hammond family.