Texas family helps rescue woman clinging to tree after being swept 20 miles downriver by floodwaters

CENTRAL POINT, TEXAS: A Texas family rescued a 22‑year‑old woman who had been clinging to a tree for hours after being swept away by raging floodwaters in Kerr County.

Over the July 4 weekend, a sudden storm dumped between 10 and 23 inches of rain across the Texas Hill Country, triggering deadly flash floods along the Guadalupe River and beyond. Kerr County was among the hardest hit, with floodwaters rising rapidly and catching many off guard.

According to reports, the disaster has claimed the lives of more than 50 people across Central Texas since Friday, with dozens still missing. Emergency teams have rescued over 850 individuals, as the search for survivors continues amid the widespread devastation.

The Jeter family recalls rescuing the woman from a tree amid deadly floods

Devyn Smith had been swept nearly 20 miles downriver when she spotted Carl Jeter standing on his deck and began screaming for "help."

"She spotted me, and she started to scream for help and started yelling," Carl told 'Fox & Friends Weekend'. "At first, I couldn't… locate her. I thought she was in the river itself going downstream, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ and then I finally was able to look across the river at the end of the tree and I spotted her, so I began to call out to her and tell her that I see her… ‘I got you. We're going to get you some help. It's going to be okay. Just hang on.'"

The Jeter family quickly called emergency services, setting off a coordinated rescue effort.

"There were multiple teams that showed up. There was a Swiftwater Rescue from Boerne, Texas, team that showed, and then there were some Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens that showed with boats as well. We were able to help launch those boats by hand into the water for them to get in and rescue her," said Josh Jeter.

"It was just kind of… You didn't think about it. You just did what you needed to do to help them get into the water to save this young lady that's clinging to life in a tree," he added.

After the harrowing rescue, the Jeters welcomed the woman into their home. Carl recalled, "She was cut and bruised and banged up from the trek and cold."

“So we wrapped her in blankets and towels and got her into the house, the dry spot because it was raining outside at the time, pretty good. She was just extremely upset, concerned, worried, and what have you," he added.  

Devyn had been camping in Ingram, about 20 miles upriver, with five other family members who remain missing. 

Internet hails Jeter family after rescuing young woman clinging to a tree

The woman’s survival, made possible by the Jeter family’s quick response, captured widespread attention as video of the rescue and their interview went viral. Numerous took to social media to share heartwarming messages, applauding the family's brave and selfless actions during the life-threatening emergency. 

One wrote, "Glad to hear this woman survived the ordeal. In a country that seems divided at times, it's heart warming to see Americans look out for each other no matter who they are. Life is precious."

A user recalled another moment, "Good people come through in the midst of a terrible disaster. This is the American way. In another case, a young hero saved his family by sacrificing his life for his little ones and their mom." 

A person shared, "God put that tree there to save her. I'm glad to see a life that was saved instead of one that was lost. May the people who are still missing be saved and rescued. My deepest condolences go out to the families who have lost a loved one."

"It's inspiring to see the people in this TX town helping each other without hesitation. It's amazing the survival instinct people have," an individual praised. 

One more wrote, "Blessings to you and all those who helped her.  Prayers for everybody affected by these devastating floods. 🙏," while another said, "A truly miraculous outcome for this woman. Hats off to her rescuers."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.