Three-sport star dies in Texas flooding
The community of Devine, Texas, is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars. Alyssa Ramirez, a volleyball and tennis player, cheerleader, student council president, and recent homecoming queen, died early Sunday morning, one of at least nine victims of massive flooding through Texas and Oklahoma.
Ramirez, 18, had attended the Devine High School senior prom on Saturday night. She was driving home from post-prom festivities when floodwaters caused her car to stall about two miles from home, according to San Antonio Express News.
“She did the right things,” Ramirez’s aunt, Roberta Ramirez, told local station WOAI. “She called 911. She called her father, but it was just too much and too quick.”
Her family searched for her from 2:45 a.m. until around dawn, an uncle said. Her car had been swept away and was discovered at 6 a.m. Sunday.
Devine Superintendent Linda McAnelly told the Washington Post that Alyssa was, “Vivacious. Happy. Beautiful, in and out. She had a strong faith in God, just great ethics. Great young person. [A] super, super young lady.”
Funeral services for Alyssa are being held Wednesday. Friends and family gathered at the school football field to remember a life cut far too short.
“She was very friendly to all who crossed her path, loved her family, her friends and the town of Devine,” an obituary reads. “She had aspirations of being an Optometrist. She will be sorely missed by all.”
