Viral Central Texas Flood Rescue Story Debunked as False

A viral claim circulated that two girls were found alive, 27 feet up in a tree, two days after the devastating Central Texas floods. The tale gained traction via a Facebook Live post by Cord Shiflet and was even published by The Kerr County Lead. But authorities, including Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, later confirmed the story was false (Politico, Houston Public Media).

Real Rescues During the Texas Floods That Captured National Attention

While the viral story turned out to be false, more than 850 people were rescued thanks to the efforts of over 400 first responders. Here are some of the real-life stories that captured hearts:

• Tina Perry Survives 5 Hours in a Tree
  Swept away near Kerrville, Tina clung to a tree for five hours before being rescued at sunrise. She suffered only minor injuries and hypothermia.
  (People, Houston Chronicle, Express-News)

• Devyn Smith Carried 15 Miles by Floodwaters
  Devyn clung to a tree after being swept 15 miles downstream. A nearby homeowner spotted her and helped her to safety.
  (Click2Houston, EMS1, Reddit thread)

• Camp Mystic Counselors Save Dozens of Girls
  As waters rose overnight, counselors evacuated campers through windows and floated them to safety using mattresses. Their actions likely prevented mass casualties.
  (Houston Chronicle, TPR, KVIA)

• Brad and Tina Perry’s Story of Survival and Loss
  While Tina survived, her husband Brad also clung to a tree but did not make it. Their story reflects both heroism and heartbreak.
  (People, Houston Chronicle, Express-News)

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How Misinformation Spreads During Natural Disasters

There’s an understandable urge for uplifting stories during tragedy, but that need often leads to the rapid spread of misinformation.

Marketing professor Ben Bentzin of the University of Texas at Austin explains, “Sometimes the interest in the speed of information winds up overwhelming the truth.”

Even well-intentioned false stories can mislead families and strain resources. Rep. Chip Roy warned that misinformation, even if emotionally comforting, is “not fair to families and distracts law enforcement.”

What Texas Flood Rescues Teach Us About Truth and Hope

The viral tree story may have been false, but the real rescues that occurred during the Central Texas floods show the strength, courage, and dedication of both survivors and rescuers. These are the stories that truly deserve to be shared.

Let’s celebrate real heroism and be mindful of what we choose to believe and pass along during times of crisis.