HOUSTON, TX — The Houston community is mourning the tragic loss of Michaela Miller, a 23-year-old woman whose body was discovered in Buffalo Bayou late on the night of September 26, 2025, near Commerce Street under the downtown bridge.
Authorities confirmed her identity this week, revealing that the young woman — known to thousands online as @MichaelasTarot — had touched lives around the world through her uplifting spiritual readings and messages of hope.
According to the Houston Police Department, officers were called around 11:30 p.m. after reports of a body floating in the water. Upon recovery, investigators began the difficult process of identifying the victim. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences later confirmed she was Michaela Miller, born February 8, 2002 — a bright, creative, and spiritual soul who had built a strong following through her online tarot community.
Standing 5’3” tall and weighing about 120 pounds, Michaela was described as a radiant young woman with an infectious smile and calm presence. She was recognized by her distinctive “888” tattoo on her inner left wrist — a symbol she often explained to her audience as representing spiritual abundance and divine protection.
When found, Michaela was wearing a black short-sleeved t-shirt with the words “Black and Beautiful” on the front, 1822 brand jeans, and Hanes underwear.
Her identity was confirmed with the help of Dashea Moore, one of her closest friends and coworkers, who immediately contacted authorities after reading early reports of an unidentified woman found in the bayou.
“When they mentioned her tattoo and shirt, my heart dropped,” Moore said softly. “Michaela was like a sister to me. She had such a gentle heart. She helped people find light, even when she was struggling herself.”
Investigators revealed that Michaela had been staying at a motel in Stafford, Texas — located at 10515 Fountaingate Dr., Room 106 — the same address she listed on her YouTube channel for fan gifts and donations. Motel staff said she checked out on September 6, which aligns with the date of her final livestreamed tarot session, where she spoke about “change, release, and new beginnings.”
Authorities have not yet released a cause of death, and it remains unclear how Michaela ended up in the bayou weeks later. The Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division and the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating. Toxicology reports are pending, and officials say foul play has not been ruled out.
News of Michaela’s death has devastated her family, friends, and fans — many of whom have flooded her social media pages with messages of love, grief, and gratitude.
“You guided us through darkness,” one follower wrote. “Now we hope you’ve found your peace, sweet soul.”
Michaela’s readings, often filled with messages about faith, inner strength, and rebirth, resonated deeply with her global audience. On her last YouTube video, she smiled softly and told her viewers, “You are divinely protected. Keep believing — the universe hasn’t forgotten you.”
For those who knew her personally, Michaela was more than just a content creator — she was a loyal friend, a supportive listener, and a woman determined to make the world a little brighter.
“She believed in love and energy,” Moore said. “If you were around her, you felt calm. You felt seen.”
As investigators continue to search for answers, loved ones are clinging to her memory and her message — one of resilience, compassion, and light.
The Houston Police Department is asking anyone with information about Michaela’s last known movements or the events leading up to September 26 to contact the Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS.
For her family, the pain of losing someone so full of promise is immeasurable — but so, too, is the love she left behind.
May Michaela Miller, whose voice brought peace to so many, rest in eternal serenity.