Three Missing Girls Found Alive in Tree After Texas Flood

Three young girls missing for nearly 10 days after a Texas flood were found alive inside a hollow oak tree, just a mile from the destroyed Camp Wrenwood. Emily Rivera, Zoey Nash, and Hope Lin—ages 8 to 10—survived by drinking rainwater and relying on each other for support.

A volunteer hiker heard a faint voice whisper, “We’re here… please don’t leave,” leading rescuers to the tree. Inside, the girls were curled up in wet towels and had made a makeshift door using a broken shoelace and pieces of bark.

Doctors say a pre-camp safety drill and the girls’ quick thinking helped save them. They used plastic wrappers to collect rainwater and even wrung out soaked clothing to drink. Though dehydrated and covered in insect bites, they were stable.

Hope and strength came from their bond and thoughts of home. “They saved each other. We will never forget these girls,” said one official. The story has inspired the country, with #HollowTreeHeroes and #3StrongGirls trending online, and church bells ringing in celebration.