Malaya Hammond, 17, of Marble Falls, Texas, Tragically Passes Away After Bridge Collapse in Burnet County
Burnet County, Texas – The community of Marble Falls is mourning the devastating loss of Malaya Hammond, a 17-year-old student, daughter, and friend, who passed away following a tragic accident in Burnet County early Saturday morning.
According to officials, the incident occurred when the vehicle she was riding in, along with her family, was involved in a catastrophic structural failure while crossing a rural bridge on Farm-to-Market Road 1174, spanning over Cow Creek. The collapse led the vehicle to plunge into the water below. While the other members of the family were able to escape the vehicle and make it to safety, Malaya was caught in the rushing current and swept downstream.
Emergency crews responded immediately to the scene following a 911 call placed by a family member. Search and rescue efforts were launched promptly, involving local fire departments, dive teams, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to locate her. After several hours of searching, her body was found downstream from the site of the collapse. Authorities have since confirmed her passing.
This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the close-knit Marble Falls community. Malaya, a rising senior at Marble Falls High School, was widely recognized for her kind nature, academic excellence, and commitment to extracurricular activities. Friends, teachers, and community leaders describe her as compassionate, hardworking, and a bright light in the lives of everyone she touched.
The tragedy occurred while the family was en route to a summer camp retreat—a weekend getaway they had planned for some time. The road they traveled, a lightly trafficked rural route in northern Burnet County, was familiar to them. However, recent heavy rains and structural wear appear to have compromised the integrity of the bridge, which reportedly gave way under the vehicle’s weight.
Local authorities are now working with the Texas Department of Transportation to investigate the collapse and determine whether prior inspections had revealed any signs of instability. Residents in the area have raised concerns in recent years about the safety of aging infrastructure in rural communities. While this specific bridge was not previously reported as hazardous, the incident has reignited calls for increased funding and attention toward roadway and bridge safety in Hill Country and surrounding regions.
Community members have come together to support the grieving family during this difficult time. A memorial has begun to form near the high school, where classmates and neighbors are leaving flowers, candles, and hand-written messages honoring Malaya’s life. One note read, “You always lit up the room. We will never forget your smile.” Another classmate placed a sunflower, noting it was her favorite flower.
Teachers at Marble Falls High School remembered Malaya as a gifted student with aspirations of pursuing a career in healthcare. One teacher described her as “exceptionally thoughtful,” noting that she often volunteered her time tutoring younger students and assisting with local service projects. “She was the kind of student you hope to have in your class,” the teacher said. “Her energy, kindness, and determination made a lasting impact.”
The school district has mobilized grief counselors to support students and staff in the wake of the tragedy. In a statement issued Saturday evening, the district expressed its condolences and acknowledged the profound effect the incident has had on the student body and faculty. “We are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” the statement read. “Malaya was an extraordinary young woman with a bright future. Our hearts go out to her family.”
Religious leaders across Marble Falls and Burnet County have also extended their support, with several churches holding prayer vigils in her honor. At First Baptist Church, where the family occasionally attended services, a candlelight vigil drew more than a hundred people, many of them teenagers who knew Malaya through school, athletics, or youth ministry programs. The pastor leading the service described her as “a soul full of grace and love,” adding that the community would rally around her family in the coming weeks and months.
The Hammond family, though grieving, has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received. In a brief message relayed through a family friend, they thanked first responders for their tireless efforts and the community for standing by them. “We are devastated beyond words,” the message read. “Malaya was our joy. While our hearts are broken, we are comforted by the love that surrounds us.”
Cow Creek, the body of water into which the vehicle fell, is known for its rocky banks and rapid currents, especially after heavy rainfall. Local authorities noted that recent storms had likely increased water flow, creating dangerous conditions. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has since issued advisories for recreational users and travelers near local creeks and rivers.
As the investigation into the bridge collapse continues, Burnet County officials have vowed to conduct a thorough review of all similar structures within the county. Judge James Oakley released a statement emphasizing the need to “prioritize rural infrastructure” and ensure that no family experiences a similar tragedy in the future.
In remembrance of Malaya, several community-led efforts have begun. A scholarship fund in her name is being organized by a group of parents and educators to support young women pursuing careers in healthcare—an aspiration Malaya had expressed in her college applications. There is also a plan to host a celebration of her life at the high school auditorium later this month, where friends and family will be invited to share memories, photographs, and music.
Her closest friends recall a young woman full of curiosity and joy. “She loved painting, music, and being outdoors,” said one classmate. “But more than that, she loved helping people. She made you feel seen and important. I still can’t believe she’s gone.”
Her social media accounts, now turned into spaces of mourning and tribute, are filled with messages from classmates, relatives, and friends. One post reads: “Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Your spirit will live on in all of us.”
In the days ahead, grief will continue to ripple across Marble Falls, but so too will memories of a life that, though short, was deeply impactful. For those who knew her, Malaya will be remembered not for the way her life ended, but for the countless moments of joy, kindness, and inspiration she offered in her seventeen years.
As one neighbor put it, “There’s no replacing someone like her. But we can honor her by living with the same kindness and strength she showed every day.”
Services to honor her life are being planned, with details to be shared once arrangements are finalized. Meanwhile, local organizations are coordinating with the family to offer assistance and ensure their needs are met during this incredibly painful time.
Malaya Hammond’s life, though tragically cut short, leaves behind a legacy of compassion, warmth, and hope. In the words of her school principal: “She made our school better. She made all of us better. And she will always be a part of who we are.”
