On the morning of July 5, 2025, as severe floods swept through central Texas, the Hammond family faced a life-altering tragedy. While driving to a summer camp, 17-year-old Malaya Grace Hammond and her family accidentally crossed a collapsed bridge, sending their van into rising waters. Inside were her parents, Matthew and Liz, her younger siblings, Khalil and Surya, and Surya’s friend, Opal. As the van sank, Malaya remained calm and courageous, opening the sliding door to help the others escape into the dark, rushing river.

The family fought to survive in the chaos. Matthew and Liz swam out through windows, clinging to tree branches. Khalil helped rescue Opal, who had managed to call 911 while clutching a tree. Surya was later found walking through a nearby field, cold but alive. But Malaya, the strongest swimmer and the last seen floating on her back while singing “Rise and Shine,” was missing. Her father believed she stayed in control to ensure the others had a chance to live.

Two days later, Malaya’s body was found wrapped in cedar branches downstream. Though devastated, her father Matthew described her final moments as peaceful. “She looked so beautiful,” he said, recalling her bravery and unshakable calm. Malaya had planned to be a counselor at the Christian camp they were headed to—fitting, as she had always lived in service to others. Her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her, especially her family, who now face life without her radiant presence.

In her memory, the Hammonds have committed to serving other grieving families, believing healing comes through helping others. “Malaya was all about harmony,” Matthew said. “She harmonized in music and in life.” Supporters have since launched fundraising efforts to aid the family with funeral expenses and recovery. While her physical life ended in the flood, Malaya’s spirit and final act of love live on—forever remembered in the hearts she saved and the harmony she left behind.