The tight-knit community of Kerrville, Texas, and the surrounding Hill Country areas are in mourning, following a devastating flood that struck on the Fourth of July weekend. In what has become a solemn roll call, the Texas Rangers have officially released the names of the 119 victims claimed by the floods. Included in this tragic list are individuals across all walks of life: young and old, locals and visitors, and entire families that were swept away by the merciless waters.
The Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly shared a poignant statement highlighting the depth of the community’s loss. "These names are not new to our community; they are our family, friends and neighbors, and they are forever engraved in our hearts,” they expressed in a joint declaration, according to KHOU. The city officials further conveyed that despite the tragic news, the search continues for two still-missing individuals, with their families holding on to hope of bringing them home.
As the city strives towards healing, the list of names serves as a reminder of the individual stories and dreams that were extinguished by the floods. Not just statistics, the victims ranged from Carol Andrews, a 65-year-old from Athens, Texas, to the young children who had been looking forward to summer adventures, such as eight-year-olds Mary Baker and Anna Bellows. Heartbreakingly, the list includes families like the Burgess from Liberty, TX, with both parents and their children, aged one and five years old, among the deceased.
In unity and compassion, the community leaders assure, strength and healing will be found. "Our search is not over. Two families are still waiting to bring their loved ones home. We ask for your continued prayers for the affected families, our community, all the dedicated first responders who have not given up, and for all those supporting recovery efforts," the statement continued, as reported by News 4 San Antonio.
