BLOG: Search for missing continues July 10 as Texas community grieves

Yahoo

12-07-2025

TEXAS (KXAN) — Thursday marks seven days since flash floods in Central Texas killed more than 100 people.
As survivors begin recovery efforts, state and local emergency responders continue to search for missing people in several counties.
At least 120 deaths have been confirmed in six counties. As of Thursday, 161 people were missing in Kerr County alone. Overall, at least 166 people remain missing in the state.
Here's what we know about some of the victims.
Here are the top headlines:
Resources for Texans affected by flooding: Find shelter, supplies and assistance
Today's forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team
Why were flash floods across Central Texas so catastrophic? Read Meteorologist Freddy Vela's weather blog post.
Previous KXAN live blogs: July 4, July 5, July 6, July 7. July 8, July 9
'Total destruction': 10 still missing in Travis County, Big Sandy Creek area devastated
'Hunt Strong': Community icon, the Hunt Store, destroyed in Kerr Co. flood
Austin Fire Chief defends response after accusations of delaying help for Kerr County flooding; Austin Firefighters Association president calls for no confidence vote
The final missing person in Burnet County is Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief, sheriff says
How does FEMA work? Owner of emergency response company explains FEMA's process
11:20 p.m. P. Terry's said on social media 'due to the incredible support from our community, we expect to run out of food tonight! We will be closing all location at 11 p.m.'
10:21 p.m.
August Wolverton decided to go to the 'Wall of Hope' in downtown Kerrville on her lunch break. The generic chain-linked fence is now filled with pictures of the victims of the Kerr County floods, flowers, and messages reading, 'Hill Country Strong.'
There was a chance Wolverton's own grandmother's picture could have been on that wall.
Kerr county residents mourn loss as relief pours in from around the country
'Her house was folded completely in half and all of her stuff from inside her house is still being found all down the river. All of our pictures,' Wolverton said with tears in her eyes.
Fortunately, Wolverton's grandmother was out of town for the holiday weekend. But in this tight-knit community, it's more than likely a majority of people have a connection to someone who died.
10:20 p.m.
Ryen Brake and his father Robert have spent every day since July 4 searching for Ryen's grandparents and Robert's parents – Robert Sr. and Joni.
On Wednesday, they learned Robert's body had been found, and on Thursday, they learned Joni's body was found.
'World of heartbreak,' After searching all week, family gets call that loved ones died in Kerr Co. floods
'Since July 4, our family has lived in a world of heartbreak,' Ryen said. 'But we've also lived in a world of kindness.'
Robert Sr. and Joni were camping at the HTR Campgrounds in Ingram when the floods hit. Robert described his parents as 'patriots through and through.' Robert Sr. was in the Air Force and Joni was a base nurse.
10:15 p.m. While Kerr County officials say they didn't know how bad the July 4 flooding would be, it warned residents nearly eight years ago to 'be flood aware' about the ongoing potential for 'monstrous and devastating flash floods.'
'The topography is favorable for water to not just stagnate but to rush down rivers, creeks and streams,' said Cary Burgess, a Hill Country meteorologist. 'If you get three or four inches of rain at one time, that could be a real serious problem.'
Kerr County warned of 'monstrous and devastating flash floods'
Kerr County received as much as three to four times that, according to reports.
In September 2017, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority sounded the alarm in an online video produced with Kerr County and the city of Kerrville warning about the dangers of flash floods and its historical precedent posted to YouTube.
9:56 p.m.
Flash flooding has left a trail of devastation, with search and rescue teams focused on victim recovery and aiding affected families across more than 40 miles of river. Adding to the heartbreak, countless families are still missing pets.
Central Texas animal rescue groups have united together to recover and reunite displaced animals with their families.
How to help reunite missing pets after the Independence Day Floods
Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), which recently flew over 130 animals out of the state to create more shelter space, has been steadfast in their search for missing pets since deploying Friday afternoon.
In partnership with Kerville Pets Alive, APA! cleared all the animals from the Kerr County Animal Shelter so that only recently-recovered pets remained in the flood-affected shelters.
9:54 p.m.
Volunteers gathered at an RV park east of Georgetown Thursday to clear debris and help residents who lost everything in flooding that was part of the same storm system that devastated Central Texas over the July 4 weekend.
The Shady River RV Resort sits along the river west of the small town of Jonah. Residents who had lived there for years watched floodwaters destroy their homes and scatter belongings across the property.
Volunteers mobilize to help Georgetown-area flood victims rebuild
Jordan Anderson lived at the resort with his family for five years. The area had experienced minor flooding before, but nothing prepared him for what happened this week.
'I thought it might reach my floor. I didn't think it would pick it up and carry it away,' Anderson said.
6:30 p.m.
At least 120 people across Central Texas are confirmed dead, including dozens of children who were attending summer camp in the Hill Country, after a weekend of catastrophic flooding.
Flash flooding claimed more than 100 lives in Central Texas. Here's what we know about the victims
The flash flooding deluged summer camps in Kerr County, dotted along the Guadalupe River, and also left families in Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson Counties looking for family members swept away in the floodwaters. State officials are still hoping to find people alive as crews enter their fourth day of searching.
6 p.m. Taylor Feed & Supply requested the community of Williamson County to join them on Monday, July 14, to 'help in the Flood relief clean up at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm.' The agricultural service said on social media the 'farm is closed due to the San Gabriel flood.'
Volunteers can meet at 8:15 a.m. at 14400 E State Highway 29 in Georgetown, and clean-up will continue until 2 p.m. Those who show up need to bring their own personal gloves, tools (chainsaws, rakes, shoves, etc.), water and personal lunch.
'We are asking people to join in the aid and volunteering time and resources to help these folks get the debris cleaned up,' the agricultural service said.
5:30 p.m.
The Austin Firefighters Association moved forward Thursday with a membership vote on its confidence in Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker. That vote comes after AFA President Bob Nicks accused Baker of delaying deployment of AFD resources to Kerr County ahead of catastrophic flooding over the Independence Day weekend.
Baker insisted there was no delay and that his department has done everything it can to respond to recent flood disasters across Central Texas.
Austin firefighters union votes on 'no confidence' resolution against AFD chief after flood response accusations
The firefighters' union opened online voting for its members on the issue this week. According to Nicks, voting will last until 4 p.m. on Friday.
An email, sent to AFA members and others, references an emergency union meeting Tuesday. During that meeting, Nicks claimed that a directive from AFD leadership caused local first responders to allegedly refuse deployment calls to Kerr County, more than a day before floodwaters rose.
5:20 p.m.
More Temporary Flight Restrictions have been issued for parts of Central Texas as the search continues for those who remain missing after devastating floods swept across the state.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday issued two new Temporary Flight Restrictions, or TFRs, in the Hill Country.
Temporary Flight Restrictions issued in Hill Country area as search for flood victims continues
Temporary Flight Restrictions are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time, according to the FAA website. They are communicated through Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs. Pilots must always check NOTAMs prior to their flights, per the FAA.
A press release from the FAA said the TFRs were issued because 'the search efforts in Kerr County and beyond create an ongoing operation with a high volume of aircraft operating in a tight corridor,' and 'adherence to the temporary flight restrictions rules must be followed for the safety of all aircraft and ground personnel within the area.'
4:50 p.m. Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to request federal disaster assistance from President Donald Trump's Major Disaster Declaration for additional Texas counties impacted by the flooding, according to a news release Abbott's office.
Burnet, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties 'are requested to be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance programs.' Then, four counties — Kendall, Kimble, Menard and San Saba — 'are requested to be eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program.'
'The State of Texas continues to stand with those impacted by the devastating flooding across the state,' Abbott said in the release. 'Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to request additional counties be added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration as they work to heal and recover. I thank President Trump and his Administration for their swift and continued support. Texas will continue to deploy all available resources and support to help those impacted until the job is done.'
4:33 p.m.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, alongside several Texas leaders, will visit Kerrville on Friday to meet with first responders and family members who were affected by the July 4 flood, according to a White House official.
Trump, Texas leaders to visit Kerrville on Friday
A White House official said the president will also receive a briefing from local elected officials and be a part of a round table with local authorities.
Among those set to accompany Trump are Gov. Greg Abbott, Congressman Pete Sessions, R-Texas, and Sen. John Cornyn.
3:37 p.m. Officials with the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department and Fredericksburg Fire Department provided an update in a media briefing saying that recovery efforts remain ongoing to find any survivors while searching the 8-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River.
'Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of this tragedy. We are here for them,' said Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell.
He said their No. 1 goal in this operation is 'to find the loved ones that are missing.'
'We are working diligently everyday, and the issues that we face are treacherous conditions,' Lynn said.
Officials said that currently the 8-mile stretch is a 'no-fly zone for drones.' The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shut the area down for zones. Officials said they wanted to reiterate that, due to a private drone that ran into a helicopter on Tuesday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Drone collides with helicopter responding to Texas floods, damaging 'critical piece' of response equipment
Temporary Flight Restrictions are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time, according to the FAA website.
Reagan Rabke, the Fredericksburg fire marshal, said 300 first responders are working on the river. He said they are 'going methodically from pile to pile to try and find everyone's loved ones.'
Those debris piles are anywhere from 20 to 30 feet high, Rabke said. 'That's a massive amount of debris we're trying to clear. We're having to dig by hand.'
Rabke said they are going up and down the 8-mile stretch of the river, saying it's a 'slow, methodical process. We don't know how long we'll be here.'
Officials said anyone who who would like to volunteer needs to be sure to check in with the Ingram fire station.
'Please check first. Do not go down the river,' officials said.
3:08 p.m. The Travis County Sheriff's Office identified some of the bodies found in the flash flood zone in west Travis County, following the search and recovery missions that began on July 5, according to a news release from the agency.
TCSO detectives worked with the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office to 'painstakingly investigate and document each case of a decedent recovered in the flood zone.'
The following people were identified, and are all from Leander, according to TCSO:
Dan Dailey, 67
Viginia Watts Dailey, 66
Betty Massey West, 84
August Panning, 50
17 year-old female from Marble Falls
In addition to those identified, TCSO said three others were recovered but have not been positively identified, or there is a next of kin notification still pending.
'My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. We will not waver in our efforts support the community during this difficult time,' TCSO Sheriff Sally Hernandez said.
2:38 p.m. The Texas Senate and Texas House announced the creation of Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. According to a news release from the Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows' office, the first hearing will happen at the Capitol on July 23, 'where both committees will meet jointly.'
'Our hearts are with the families across Texas who lost loved ones or saw their homes and livelihoods swept away in the recent, catastrophic floods,' Burrows said in the release. 'In the face of such devastation, Texans deserve swift, united action. I'm grateful to Lieutenant Governor Patrick and the Senate for partnering with the House in this effort, ensuring both chambers move in lockstep from day one of the special session. With only 30 days to act, we must make every moment count. This effort is about moving quickly to help Texans recover and laying the foundation to better protect our communities—and our children—from future disasters.'
The release said the Texas Senate and the Texas House will look at the following items on the Gov. Greg Abbott's special session agenda, which are listed below:
Flood warning systems
Flood emergency communications
Relief funding for Hill Country floods
Natural disaster preparation and recovery
2:27 p.m. The LCRA said on social media 'floodgate operations at Wirtz and Starcke dams have concluded.'
Inflows continue to be passed from overnight rainfall through hydroelectric generation. The water will be passed downstream into Lake Travis.
2:25 p.m. The LCRA said to avoid the Highland Lakes at night and use extra caution during the day. This is due to the
1:23 p.m. KXAN photojournalist Todd Bynum went and checked out the damage at Big Sandy Creek. The photos below are the view from Jones Brothers Park.
1:01 p.m. The Ingram Fire Department is expected to hold a news conference at 3 p.m. to provide information on flood damage and recovery efforts.
1:00 p.m. U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) said he would join President Donald Trump and other leaders in Kerr County on Friday to survey flood damage and ongoing recovery efforts.
'Congressman Sessions has been closely engaged in federal disaster response efforts across the country, including in Hawaii and North Carolina. Now, as the need has emerged in his home state of Texas, he is working to ensure the Hill Country receives the resources and support needed to recover,' his office said in a released statement.
RELATED | President Trump to visit Central Texas after floods
12:56 p.m. Marble Falls Fire Rescue confirmed it would hold a candlelight vigil for Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips.
RELATED | Last known missing person from Burnet County is Marble Falls area volunteer fire chief, sheriff says
According to MFFR, Phillips is the last known missing person from Burnet County following the Fourth of July flood.
The vigil is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday at the station, which is located at 606 Avenue U in Marble Falls.
12:42 p.m.
KXAN photojournalist Frank Martinez said the P. Terry's on Nueces Street & W Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard has brought in a huge crowd for lunch. The chain is currently offering to donate 100% of its profits to flood victims.
12:40 p.m. KXAN's Avery Travis and Will DuPree spoke with Suzie Chase with Austin Pets Alive! to talk about the work they are doing to help Central Texas animal shelters reunite and save as many pets as they can after the floods.
RELATED | Austin Wildlife Rescue takes in over 200 animals following Independence Day floods
Use the video player below to listen to the discussion.
12:34 p.m. While thousands of people were impacted by the floods, animals and wildlife in Central Texas are also recovering from the devastation, but that's where All Things Wild Rehabilitation in Georgetown is stepping up.
Georgetown wildlife rehab caring for more than 500 animals, many taken in after Texas floods
The nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center is caring for more than 500 animals as of Thursday. More than 130 of those have been taken in since last Friday, due to being displaced or harmed during severe flooding that hit Central Texas.
All Things Wild takes in orphaned, injured, and sick animals — primarily babies — and rehabilitates, treats, or raises them until they can return to the wild.
12:06 p.m. KXAN was given an inside look at the Travis County Resource Center as it aids with relief efforts.
11:32 a.m. The image below is on Farm-to-Market 1431 right before Cow Creek. The bridge was washed away bring a flood event that moved through the area.
According to law enforcement, going past a barricade such as this is a Class C Misdemeanor.
RELATED | Flooding damages road from Lago Vista to Marble Falls
11:20 a.m. P. Terry's is one of many restaurants contributing 100% of its proceeds today to Austin Disaster Relief. KXAN Meteorologist Kristen Currie said the drive-thru at one location in Austin had a line that wrapped back onto the street.
11:13 a.m. KXAN's Avery Travis and Will DuPree speak with Airbnb's executive director, Cristopher Gorder, on how Airbnb is helping flood victims receive free housing after the Central Texas floods.
Use the video player below to listen to the discussion.
10:15 a.m. Kendall County said its number of recoveries remains at eight.
'Our federal, state, and local teams are back at it again this morning. They're tired. They're exhausted. But they continue to show up, just as they have since early Friday morning. With compassion, respect, and unwavering dignity, they are here for every family still waiting, still searching, and still hoping for answers.
'You — our community — have lifted their spirits. You've carried this heartache with us, but you've also helped us stay motivated. Your generosity, encouragement, and love have not gone unnoticed. We are deeply grateful for every donation, every case of water, every meal dropped off, every tool or supply offered. Your cards, hugs, waves, and kind words remind us that we're not alone,' county officials said.
10:03 a.m. As of 8 a.m., Kerr County officials said there were 96 confirmed deaths—60 adults and 36 children. The number of missing people remains at 161, including five Camp Mystic campers and one counselor.
Use the video player below to listen.
8:39 a.m. Kerr County is expected to hold a news conference at 10 a.m. to provide an update on search and recovery efforts. KXAN will live stream that conference in this blog.
'One of a kind': Kerrville ISD honors soccer coach, wife killed in flood
7:01 a.m. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) said one floodgate remained open at both Wirtz and Starcke dams to move flood runoff downstream.
Wirtz Dam creates Lake LBJ, and Starcke Dam creates Lake Marble Falls.
'Flows below the dams are higher and faster than usual,' LCRA said.
LCRA advised people to stay out of the Highland Lakes the next few days to avoid flood debris, fast-moving flows and bacteria levels that traditionally increase after a flood event.
6:27 a.m. A new resource to help flood victims in parts of northwest Travis County opens today in Leander.
The center will give those who are affected by recent flooding places to shower, charging stations for devices and computers. It will also have health screenings, first aid and counseling. There will also be food available.
The center is located at Danielson Middle School, 1061 Collaborative Way, Leander. It is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday and then 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, including weekends.
The county said there will also be a free shuttle that will pick up and drop off at the Round Mountain Baptist Church, 14500 Round Mountain Rd., Leander, which has been a home base for many of the rescue efforts.
RELATED | Flood resource recovery center opens Thursday for Travis County flood victims
5:33 a.m.
5:30 a.m. KXAN is back out at the Max Starcke dam. The Starcke and Wirtz dams both had one gate opened overnight after Wednesday's rains. The Llano River watershed received 2 to 4 inches of rain.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.