In a recent update provided by the Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO), it has been reported that the body count from the July 5th flood has risen to ten. Nine of these victims have been identified, with the remaining one pending identification. In a twist of events, a person previously listed as missing was located alive, having been transient with sporadic sightings, which delayed the investigation.
On July 16, the grim discovery under the Big Sandy bridge added another name to the list of casualties, but until the Travis County Medical Examiner completes their investigative process, TCSO holds off from confirming if this is indeed the last missing individual. Travis County is not yet closing the chapter on the tragic day as searches continue along Cow Creek, supported by an inter-agency dive team and the Lake Patrol Unit, as well as the police departments of Houston, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and Jonestown.
The list of identified victims spans generations, most hailing from Leander, TX. Among them are Dan Dailey, 67, Virginia Watts Dailey, 66, Betty Massey West, 84, August Panning, 50, a 7-year-old girl from Marble Falls, Alissa Nicole Martin, 54, George Douglas West, 54, and two teenagers aged 15 and 16. The efforts to locate victims have been extensive, with specialized teams engaging in searches on water and land, including the assistance of TCSO’s Drone Team in the Sandy Creek vicinity.
In the immediate aftermath of the flood, TCSO deputies were inundated with over 600 calls for help, many of which were cries for rescue - a stark demonstration of the chaos nature can unleash on a community. They managed to reach the majority of these callers, despite impassable roads and dangerous floodwaters separating them from some in need. Mission after mission, they ventured through the community, providing support against threats ranging from washed-out roads to potential looters. According to Sheriff Sally Hernandez's poignant reflection on the tragedy, "Words fall short when trying to describe the devastation the flood caused. These communities are hurting, and it has been the goal of TCSO to serve and protect them to the best of our ability. We remain committed to that mission."
The TCSO's dedication did not stop at search and rescue; their continued presence in the flood-affected areas aimed to facilitate traffic flow, prevent theft, and assist residents, as well as oversee the restoration efforts. Detectives were vital too, tasked with meticulously investigating each unnatural death tied to the flood and handling missing persons cases with diligence and care. TCSO’s Victim Services Unit stands as proof of their commitment, offering unwavering support and information to families during their most vulnerable moments.
