The devastating flash floods that tore through Texas have left a trail of heartbreak and loss that continues to haunt the region. Amid the destruction and grief, stories of courage and desperate survival are emerging—each more wrenching than the last.
One harrowing account shared with the New York Post reveals the heartbreaking fate of a Texas father who refused to let go of his children, clinging tightly as floodwaters swept them all away.
Over 100 Lives Lost as Rescue Efforts Continue
More than 100 people have perished in this catastrophic disaster, with rescue teams tirelessly searching for those still missing. The destruction knows no bounds, and among the hardest hit is Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp where at least 27 children and counselors have tragically died, and 11 remain unaccounted for.
In a heartfelt statement, Camp Mystic expressed their sorrow:
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We pray for them constantly and are working closely with local authorities in the search for missing girls. We ask for your continued prayers, respect, and privacy for all affected families. May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us.”
A Father’s Love and Courage Amid the Flood
The flood’s terror claimed many heroic lives, including Dick Eastland, director of Camp Mystic, who lost his life while trying to save children. His grandson shared a poignant tribute on Instagram:
“If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way—saving the girls he loved so dearly. A husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to thousands, his legacy will live on forever.”
Eyewitness Recounts Tragic Moment: “He Was Holding Tight to His Babies”
Lorena Guillen, owner of the Blue Oak RV Park in Kerr County—the hardest-hit area—described a gut-wrenching scene to the New York Post. She witnessed a father clinging desperately to a tree, gripping his babies tightly, refusing to hand them over to rescuers, only to be swept away by the merciless floodwaters moments later.
“My husband was in the water, pleading, ‘Please throw me your baby!’ But the man held on tight to his children—and then they were gone,” Guillen said.
Family Lost in the Floodwaters
The man has been identified as John Burges of Liberty, Texas. Tragically, John, his wife Julia, and their two young sons remain missing. Their daughter, safe at a nearby summer camp, survived the ordeal. The family had been staying at Guillen’s RV park over the Fourth of July weekend.
“The kids were so excited to be here,” Guillen recalled, her voice heavy with sorrow. The entire RV park was destroyed, and the screams of people caught in the flood haunted the night.
“We heard desperate cries for help all night long. Cabins from the RV park floated by, smashing against trees. The sounds of ‘Help me! Help me!’ are forever etched in my mind—it was overwhelming.”
Night of Terror at the River’s Edge
Unable to sleep, Guillen and her husband rushed to the riverbank in the darkness. By then, the floodwaters had risen nearly 10 feet, sweeping away RVs and stranding families in peril.
“It was pitch black. A family of five was trapped closest to the river, their RV floating away. The fear, the chaos—we will never forget it.”
This tragic disaster has touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on Texas. Our hearts and prayers remain with all those mourning the loss of loved ones, and with the brave rescuers still fighting to save lives.