Texas Family of Nine Carves Out Loft Escape During Deadly Flood

In Hunt, Texas, a rural home was engulfed in rushing floodwaters during the early hours of July 4 as the Guadalupe River surged past flood stage.

Inside were nine family members, including two babies, two dogs, and a pocketknife—faces between life and death when water began seeping into their living space.

Quick Thinking Saves Lives

Led by 83-year-old matriarch Penny Deupree and her son Tad, the family responded with urgency. Using lobster buoys to puncture the loft ceiling, they then widened the hole with a pocketknife. One by one—starting with the infants—they climbed into the attic. When it was Penny’s turn, family members pulled and pushed her safely through the narrow escape point.

Once in the attic, they climbed onto the roof, where they spent over an hour, soaked but alive. To calm the babies, they sang Bible songs until rescuers arrived with a ladder. All nine came through uninjured—or with only minor scrapes—though their home and possessions were lost to the flood.

Tragedy and Loss in the Region

This miracle occurred amid a much broader disaster. Central and Hill Country, Texas, experienced catastrophic flash flooding during the Independence Day holiday, claiming over 100 lives, many of whom were campers at nearby retreats. The Deuprees’ rescue stands in stark relief to the household tragedies unfolding downriver.

Faith and Resilience Amid Devastation

Penny reflected on the ordeal, saying, “We were saved by God. That’s simple and easy.” Amid the wreckage, the portrait of a long-deceased relative remained intact—an emblem of hope amid loss. The family has since started a GoFundMe campaign led by Tad to rebuild and recover from the financial toll.

Warning Systems Under Scrutiny

Rumbling through the community is growing criticism over delayed alerts and outdated warning systems. The flood zone, known as “flash flood alley,” relies heavily on cellphone-based alerts—a system that failed some residents. Many are now urging investment in sirens and more robust alert infrastructures such as satellite-linked sirens.

A Beacon of Survival

The Deupree story exemplifies grace under pressure. Their story is one of hands-on resourcefulness, intergenerational cooperation, and unshakeable faith. As families mourn lost loved ones and begin rebuilding, the Deuprees offer a beacon of hope—and a blueprint for survival amid escalating flash-flood risks across the American Southwest.

You might also want to read: Texas Flash Floods Survivors Share Heartbreaking Stories