Devy Saldivar & Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Facebook The Saldivar family feared missing in the Houston flood. KHOU-TV says relatives have confirmed they died.

Before Devy Saldivar and her family vanished in a van into the Houston flood waters, she repeatedly expressed anxiety over Hurricane Harvey on social media.

In one post, shortly after she saved a pair of kittens from the storm, Devy, 16, wrote, “no sleep & anxiety, please let this pass sooner.”

Six members of the Houston Saldivar family – including Devy, two children and another teenager – are now feared dead in the floodwaters of Tropical Storm Harvey, according to KHOU-TV.

On August 30, horrifically, authorities announced they had found the Saldivar family van and could see bodies inside of it:

KHOU-TV reported that the family is believed to have drowned “in a van on Sunday, August 27, 2017” and consisted of Manuel Saldivar, 84, his wife Belia, 81, and their great-grandchildren, Daisy Saldivar, 6, Xavier Saldivar, 8, Dominique Saldivar, 14, and Devy Saldivar, 16. KHOU said the account was verified by three family members. A family member also confirmed the tragedy to Buzzfeed.

Houston police Chief Art Acevedo told the AP initially that he had no information about the report by KHOU-TV but was “really worried about how many bodies we’re going to find” in the Houston floods.

Other members of the family were also identified in missing person posts as Xavier, Dominic, and Daisy Saldivar.

Here’s what you need to know:


1. Devy Expressed Fear on Social Media About the Storm & Rescued Kittens From It

devy saldivar

Devy Saldivar.

In a series of now heart-breaking tweets, Devy Saldivar expressed fear about the storm. On August 27, she tweeted, “Don’t want to sleep but I’m so tired.”

That same day she wrote on Facebook at about 5:30 a.m.: “no sleep & anxiety , please let this pass sooner.” She also shared a Facebook post in which a man implored, “pray for Houston.”

On August 26, she saved a pair of kittens she found under her car.

In the midst of it all, she took time to post about the Floyd Mayweather fight. Her page says she went to Pasadena High School (Pasadena, Texas), lived in Houston, Texas, and was from Houston.

She responded to a tweet from a person expressing anxiety to say, “Same man my friends are helping me calm down tho I appreciate them so much.”

Chillingly, she wrote that same day, “Almost died trying to bring a ladder back to my house from my grandparents house , wow.” She added, “And this is only the first day of it.”

On August 26, she wrote, “Staying inside.”

devy saldivar

Devy Saldivar.

On August 25, she urged friends to stay safe, writing, “??? – JUST KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU AND I HOPE YOU STAY SAFE DURING HARVEY HOPEFULLY YOULL BE OKAY ??.” She also wrote: “It’s a category 4 hurricane now , geez.”

She retweeted this:

This Post was deleted by the Post author. Learn more

She shared the same photo on Facebook with the caption, “I ain’t scared of no hercane ” LMAOOOO.”

devy saldivar

Devy Saldivar.

She retweeted a satellite comparison of Hurricanes Harvey and Katrina and a GIF expressing anxiety about Harvey.


2. The Family Is Feared Dead From Flooding on a Bridge Crossing While Trying to Escape

houston rainfall

GettyStranded vehicles sit where they got stuck in high water from Hurricane Harvey on Dairy Ashford Drive, August 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas.

The Associated Press wrote on August 28: “BREAKING: Report: 6 family members feared dead when van swept away while trying to escape Harvey floodwaters.”

According to the KHOU-TV report, the “victims include four children (all 16 or younger) and their great-grandparents. The driver of the vehicle (the children’s great-uncle) managed to escape before the van went under water.”

The television station reported that “the van was driving down Green River Road in Greens Bayou when it hit high floods after crossing a bridge. This caused the van to be swept up in the current, and the driver then crawled out and told the children inside to try and get out through the back door. They were unable to do so.” The driver escaped by hanging onto a tree, KHOU-TV reported, adding that no bodies were recovered and first responders were “in the area” but didn’t have time to rescue the family.

devy saldivar

FacebookDevy Saldivar.

According to KHOU, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has spoken to the driver. Samuel “Sammy” Saldivar who “told them he was driving eastbound on Green River Rd. near John Ralston Rd. Sunday when rising water in Greens Bayou overcame the van.” Officials have not confirmed the deaths as bodies have not been recovered, the television station reported.

The Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a press conference on August 30 that deputies could hear someone screaming and spotted a man clinging to a tree. They were able to use a rope and “performed a heroic effort to get him out.” The rescued man said he was with several family members in a white van that had submerged into the water. The van was at least four feet under water. The water was traveling 7 miles per hour, and it was too dangerous to stage a rescue. On August 30, the water went down somewhat. Authorities briefly looked into the van and saw at least two bodies inside the van. Because of the angle, authorities couldn’t tell if there were more bodies inside of it.

A chaplain was arriving at the scene. Gonzalez said authorities were trying “to offer words of comfort” to the family. He said the van had traveled a ways. “It was a miracle the one driver was rescued. Unfortunately, they just couldn’t get to the rest.” He said the van is resting at an angle in a muddy area with dark and grimy water.

The sheriff said authorities are also “heartbroken” by the situation, especially because “children are involved…unfortunately, it seems our worst thoughts are being realized.” He said it appeared that an adult female was in the front of the van.

Buzzfeed spoke to Ashley Hiser-Jackson, a relative who lives in California. She told the site, “They haven’t located the bodies but from what my aunt has said the car is still in the water. I don’t know if the uncle who went to go get them saw the van get swept away. But where the vehicle is, there’s no way to get to it unfortunately.”

A GoFundMe page has been established for the remaining family members. “As all of Houston is aware of the devastation around us, let us be aware of a particular sadness- the passing of 4 children due to Hurricane Harvey. Devy (16), Dominic (14), Xavier (8) and Daisy (6) Saldivar have all been called home,” the post reads.

“I’ve known Virginia Saldivar for 6 years, and if anyone knows her OR her family, they know how precious they are all to each other. The Saldivar’s are seeking prayers and assistance in this awful time. The time and date of memorials are unknown at this time. Please cover this family in prayers, and, if able, monetary donations. Please share this message and help love on this family.”

Virginia Saldivar posted her own plea for help on Facebook on August 28, writing, “If anyone has a boat that can come rescue us on Talton St please come. This is getting so scary with the water rising.” The woman who created the GoFundMe site wrote that Virginia is the children’s grandmother.


3. Loved Ones Took to Social Media to Look for the Missing Family

A woman named Jessica Rivera posted a heartbreaking missing person’s post on Facebook for the family. It read:

Looking for 2 older adults in their 80’s with 2 younger children.

They were in a car last seen at Hopper Rd. Originally they were stranded on 59 near there. The car got swept away and hasn’t been seen since.

Names:
Devy Saldivar
Daisy Saldivar
Xavier Saldivar
Dominic Saldivar

UPDATE: Last Seen Greens Rd and John Ralston in a Van.

There is NO Confirmation they have been found. I have been in Contact with the extended family.

Tragically, family members have now told two news outlets that the family has died, although, again, authorities have yet to confirm those accounts as they are still trying to get into the van.


4. Friends Filled Devi’s Facebook Page With Memorials

“It’s makes me sad to know your gone but in a better place ??Rest In Peace angle ?? we love you,” one friend wrote on Devi’s Facebook page.

A woman wrote, “i love you. we’d always talk about our lives and what we would do after high school was over. i’d come crying to you and end up feeling a million times better after our talks. you mean the world to me and i love you. i’ll never forget all the things we’ve done. rest easy, devs.”

devy saldivar

Devy Saldivar.

Another woman wrote, “RIP BEAUTIFUL , we didn’t talk much in high school , but we did at queens , I can’t get the image out of my head seeing you in the halls you would always see you laughing & happy as ever ! YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE , I can’t believe this , it feels like just yesterday , you’ll never be forgotten ! My condolence goes out to your family ! WE LOVE YOU & WE GONNA MISS YOU ! ? REST EASY.”


5. Many Others Are Also Feared Dead & Many Were Trapped in the Flooding

Hurricane Harvey Cajun Navy, the Cajun Navy

GettySmall, personal boats have been highly effective amidst the massive search and rescue effort following Hurricane Harvey

Many other people are also feared dead in what was described by the National Weather Service as an unprecedented and “catastrophic” hurricane. Thousands were rescued from rooftops, vehicles, and homes as Houston flooded. People took to social media to beg for rescue.

More than 50 inches may fall on Houston as a result of the massive storm. Controversy has erupted over city and county officials’ decision to not evacuate the city of Houston. You can read more about that debate here: