A viral social media story claiming that three young girls were found alive after surviving 10 days in a hollow tree during the devastating July 2025 Texas floods has been debunked as false, with no credible evidence or official reports supporting the claim.
The Viral Claim
The rumor, widely circulated on social media platforms and ad-heavy blogs, alleged that three girls missing during the floods took refuge in a hollow tree, surviving on rainwater for nearly 10 days. Some posts mentioned a camp called “Wrenwood” and included supposed names of the girls, adding a veneer of authenticity to the story.
The Truth
Reputable news outlets and fact-checking organizations have found no evidence to substantiate this story. The Texas floods, which severely impacted areas including Camp Mystic near the Guadalupe River in early July 2025, resulted in tragic losses, with dozens initially unaccounted for. As of July 21, 2025, authorities reported that only three people remain missing, a significant reduction from the initial estimate of around 100. However, no official reports or credible news sources confirm any miraculous survival story involving three girls in a hollow tree.
Origins of the Rumor
Fact-checkers have traced the rumor to sensationalized social media posts and blogs, often designed to drive web traffic and engagement. AI detection tools flagged some of these sources as likely generated by artificial intelligence, lacking verifiable details or consistency with known facts about the floods. The mention of “Wrenwood” and other specific details does not align with any documented reports from the disaster.
The Real Story
The Texas floods caused significant devastation, particularly at Camp Mystic, where flooding along the Guadalupe River led to tragic outcomes. Authorities and rescue teams have been working tirelessly, and while the number of missing individuals has decreased, the focus remains on recovery efforts and supporting affected families. No major news outlets, including CNN, CBS News, or the Associated Press, have reported any cases matching the viral story’s description.
Why This Matters
Misinformation like this can spread rapidly, exploiting emotional events to gain attention. Such stories can cause confusion, distress affected communities, and divert attention from verified information and ongoing recovery efforts. Readers are encouraged to rely on reputable sources and fact-checking organizations to verify extraordinary claims.
Conclusion
The story of three girls surviving 10 days in a hollow tree during the Texas floods is a fabrication with no basis in reality. As the community continues to recover from this tragedy, sticking to verified information from trusted sources is crucial.