A young girl is sharing her chilling account of survival after being caught in a deadly flash flood that devastated a summer camp in central Texas. The 11-year-old camper, identified as Ava Martinez, described the terrifying moments when she thought her life might end.
A Storm Turns Deadly
The tragedy unfolded when a sudden downpour caused nearby rivers to overflow late Sunday night, sending torrents of water into the popular Hilltop Valley Campground near San Marcos. Dozens of children and staff were caught off guard by the rising waters, with some climbing trees or rooftops to escape the flood.
“I woke up because I heard screaming,” Ava said. “There was water everywhere. It came into our cabin really fast.”
Moments of Sheer Terror
Ava, along with six other campers, became trapped inside one of the wooden cabins as water surged up to their knees, then to their waists. “I held my best friend’s hand and told her if we don’t make it, I loved her,” she recalled tearfully.
As the water kept rising, Ava remembered the emergency training she learned at school and instructed the others to grab hold of the top bunk bed frames to stay afloat. “I just wanted to help everyone stay calm, even though I was really scared,” she said.
Rescue Arrives Just in Time
Rescue teams reached the camp at dawn, airlifting survivors by helicopter and pulling others out by boat. Ava and her group were among the last to be rescued from their cabin after clinging to furniture for over six hours.
One camp counselor and three children tragically lost their lives in the flooding, according to authorities. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
A Child’s Strength in Crisis
Despite the trauma, Ava’s calm thinking and bravery have earned her praise from local officials and first responders. “For someone so young to stay composed in a life-threatening situation is incredible,” said Captain Laura Jimenez of the Texas Emergency Services.
Healing After the Storm
Ava is now recovering at home with her family. Counselors and therapists have been made available for all affected children and staff. Her story serves as a heartbreaking yet inspiring reminder of resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
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