As the death toll rises from the devastating flood in the state of Texas, Alabama, along with the rest of the nation, is mourning the tragic, heartbreaking loss of the flood victims, including 8-year-old Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook.

Search and rescue operations continue in central Texas after catastrophic flooding claimed the lives of Sarah and dozens of others. The Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in less than an hour early Friday morning, sweeping away homes, cars, trees, and much of Camp Mystic, an all-girls’ Christian summer camp near Hunt, Texas, according to NPR. Officials confirmed Monday morning that the overall death toll has risen to at least 85, with search and recovery efforts hampered by debris, heat, snakes, and continued rainfall. A flood watch remains in effect through Monday evening in south-central Texas, including the hard-hit Kerrville area. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state has broadened its search to cover the wider region while keeping Kerrville as a priority, according to NPR.

Sarah Marsh was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary School in Mountain Brook. Her father, Patrick Marsh, is an assistant professor at Samford University, according to a social media post by Samford University President Beck Taylor.

Alabama leaders shared their grief online after learning of Sarah’s death.

Governor Kay Ivey posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the tragedy.

“Alabama joins in lifting up all impacted by the floods in the Hill Country — especially as we grieve the tragic loss of one of our own, young Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook,” she said. “We pray for her family, and the other families facing unimaginable loss and strength as the searches continue.”

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) wrote on Facebook that she is ‘heartbroken’ by the situation.

“Wesley and I are heartbroken over the loss of Sarah Marsh, and we are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time,” said Britt. “We continue to pray for the victims’ loved ones, the survivors, those who are still missing, and our brave first responders as search and rescue efforts continue in Texas.”

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) issued condolences for those affected by the disaster.

“Suzanne and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Sarah Marsh — and so many others — in the devastating floods at Camp Mystic. We are praying for her family, friends, and the entire Mountain Brook Community.”

The City of Mountain Brook and Mayor Stewart Welch also issued a public statement regarding the death of the young girl.

“The City of Mountain Brook is heartbroken over the tragic loss of Sarah Marsh, an eight-year-old student at Cherokee Bend Elementary who lost her life in the devastating flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas. This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community. Sarah’s passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her.”

“As we grieve alongside the Marsh family, we also remember the many others affected by this tragedy. In the days ahead, I know Mountain Brook will do what it always does which is come together with compassion, strength, and unwavering support for the Marsh Family.”

Officials in Texas have said the search and rescue mission is ongoing, with conditions remaining hazardous.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com. 

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