In what’s being called one of the most remarkable survival stories in modern U.S. history, three young girls missing after the devastating Texas floods were found alive Sunday—huddled inside the hollow trunk of a massive oak tree, just a mile from the wreckage of Camp Wrenwood.
The girls, part of a group of 27 who disappeared after the flash floods tore through the area, had endured nearly ten days with no food, no fire, and only each other. Authorities credit their survival to quick thinking, a bit of wilderness training—and an unshakable bond.
A Whisper From the Woods
The discovery was completely unexpected. A volunteer hiker searching along a remote trail heard what she thought was an animal whimpering at the base of a fallen tree. But as she stepped closer, she heard a quiet voice:
“We’re here… please don’t leave.”
Emergency crews rushed to the spot. Inside the hollowed-out trunk, they found three girls—Emily Rivera, Zoey Nash, and Hope Lin—curled together under damp towels, their makeshift shelter sealed with a flap of bark tied with a shoelace.
How They Survived
According to doctors and rescue staff, two main factors kept the girls alive:
- Rainwater Collection
The girls cleverly used plastic wrappers from their lunches to build a rain catchment system, collecting water in a V-shaped setup at the base of the tree. - A Safety Drill They Never Forgot
Just days before the storm, camp counselors had conducted a survival training drill. The girls remembered the advice:
“Stay dry, stay quiet, stay together.”
And they followed it.
Dr. Mia Lang, who treated the girls, said they drank by wringing out rain-soaked shirts and licking water off leaves. They showed early signs of dehydration, were covered in insect bites, and had several cuts—but none of their injuries were life-threatening.
“We Kept Thinking About Our Moms”
Though weak and shaken, the girls remained composed. Rescuers say they kept whispering about their families—repeating memories and prayers to keep their spirits up.
“We thought nobody was coming,” one of them said.
“But we kept believing in each other.”
A Nation Moved
As the news spread, there were emotional scenes at the family base camp. One mother fell to her knees when she heard the names. Church bells rang across towns. Online, tributes poured in under hashtags like #HollowTreeHeroes, #FaithFoundThem, and #3StrongGirls.
“Ten days. No food. No fire. Just courage.”
“They saved each other. America will never forget this.”
The girls are now recovering in a hospital, surrounded by their families and a nation inspired by their strength. For many, their story is a symbol of hope, resilience, and what it means to never give up—even in the darkest, wettest corner of the woods.
