The United States state of Texas was rocked by tragedy when a 17-year-old girl lost her life rescuing her family during the severe flooding that struck the area in recent days. The young woman, who was praised as a hero for her courageous deed, was able to open the car door and let her parents and younger siblings escape unharmed. But she didn’t make it out alive.

The family was trying to cross the Cow Creek Bridge in a rural area close to Marble Falls when a sudden surge caused floodwaters to quickly cover the bridge. The family van was swept away as they drove through the building due to an unforeseen flood brought on by heavy rains.