BANDERA COUNTY, Texas – A tragic incident occurred in Bandera County on Monday when a woman lost her life after her vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, as reported by the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Sheriff Josh Teitge, the sheriff’s office received an urgent call from the woman around 5:30 a.m. She informed authorities that her car was being carried into a creek due to rapidly rising waters near Lower Mason Creek Road, close to Chipman Lane.
As the floodwaters surged, the woman began to float downstream at a perilous speed, becoming trapped inside her vehicle. The call abruptly disconnected, but first responders were able to trace her cell phone’s last known location, which proved crucial for the ensuing rescue efforts.
The sheriff’s office quickly initiated a search and recovery operation, enlisting the help of several local agencies, including the Pipe Creek Fire Department, the Medina Fire Department, and the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department. Their collaborative efforts underscored the urgency of the situation.
“Time is of the essence; you have a short window,” stated volunteer Dario Hernandez, who runs Global Search and Recovery and utilized sonar equipment during the search. This specialized equipment is adept at detecting body heat beneath the water’s surface, enhancing the chances of locating the missing woman.
“It could be a stranger, it could be you,” Hernandez added. “We are the eyes in the skies. With drones, you can search an acre pretty fast. Having boots on the ground and the tools we have helps with finding her.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety also contributed to the search efforts by deploying a helicopter to survey the area from above, expanding the search perimeter significantly.
By shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Monday, the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office located the woman’s vehicle several miles downstream from where it had originally been swept away. Unfortunately, the vehicle was found completely submerged, and the woman was discovered inside.
As of Monday night, the woman has not yet been officially identified, leaving the community in shock and mourning. This incident highlights the dangers posed by flooding and the critical importance of heeding weather alerts and avoiding hazardous areas during severe weather conditions.
