In what is being referred to as one of the most extraordinary survival tales in American history, three girls who disappeared during the Texas flood disaster have been located alive — nestled within the hollow of an ancient oak tree, merely one mile from the devastated Camp Wrenwood.
The girls — Emily Rivera, Zoey Nash, and Hope Lin, aged 8 to 10 — managed to survive for almost 10 days without food, relying solely on rainwater and the skills learned from a wilderness safety drill they had participated in just days prior to the storm.
The Discovery: “We’re Here… Please Don’t Leave”
A volunteer hiker was searching the area when she detected a faint sound emanating from beneath a fallen tree. Initially, she thought it was an animal — until a small voice called out: “We’re here… please don’t leave.”
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and found the three girls huddled together inside a hollow tree trunk, wrapped in damp towels and utilizing a broken shoelace to secure bark across the entrance as a makeshift door.
How They Survived: Two Key Lifelines
Rainwater Collection: The girls fashioned plastic wrappers into a V-shape to capture rain runoff and drank water from leaves and their clothing.
Pre-Camp Safety Drill: Just days before the flood, camp counselors instructed a survival exercise. The girls recalled the essential rule: “Stay dry. Stay together. Stay quiet.”
“We Believed in Each Other”
Despite feelings of exhaustion, early signs of dehydration, and numerous insect bites, the girls are on the mend and are anticipated to make a full recovery. One paramedic remembered them softly saying:
“We kept discussing our mothers. That provided comfort.”
The Nation Celebrates: “This Represents America’s Inspirational Tale”
As the news circulated, family members at the base camp broke down in tears. Church bells tolled throughout towns in Texas, while social media buzzed with hashtags such as #HollowTreeHeroes, #3StrongGirls, and #FaithFoundThem.
“Ten days. No fire. No food. Only courage.”
These three young heroines demonstrated that even amidst the fiercest storm, light and love prevail.
This narrative will be updated as further information emerges. For assistance, contributions, or volunteer opportunities in the ongoing recovery from the Texas floods, please visit RedCross.org.