Father’s Texas flood tragedy explained.
A harrowing tragedy unfolded recently in a small Texas community, leaving residents shaken and searching for answers.
Devastating floods profiled.
Torrential rains struck Kerrville and surrounding areas, unleashing catastrophic flash floods that overwhelmed rivers and swept through neighborhoods.
The Guadalupe River surged dramatically, rising an astonishing 27 feet in less than an hour — a deluge locals say they’ve never witnessed before.
Entire communities found themselves battling a sudden and merciless wall of water that tore through homes and RV parks alike.
In Kerr County, the Blue Oak RV Park was among the hardest hit, with 28 RVs completely destroyed by the raging waters.
The flood arrived with terrifying speed, leaving little time for evacuation or preparation.
RV park owner’s account revealed.
Lorena Guillen, owner of the Blue Oak RV Park, shared the horror of that fateful night and the heartbreak that followed.
“We heard screams all night,” Guillen said. “People were yelling, ‘Help me! Help me!’ as cabins floated by, smashing into trees.”
Before the storm, Guillen had closed her nearby bar around 12:45 a.m. as the rain began pouring heavily.
Despite a flash flood warning notification, officials provided little guidance, leaving residents uncertain about evacuation.
At 2:30 a.m., Guillen checked the river, which appeared calm, and called the sheriff’s department for advice — they had no information.
Just an hour later, Guillen and her husband awoke to flashing rescue lights at the park’s edge.
By that time, the first levels of RVs were already washing away in the dark waters.
The river had surged roughly 10 feet, trapping families in a nightmare they couldn’t escape.
Father’s struggles detailed.
One family, closest to the riverbank, was particularly vulnerable — their RV was drifting away as the night grew darker.
Among them was John Burgess, a father who refused to let go of his children despite the peril.
Guillen’s husband was in the water, trying to urge John to hand over his kids to rescuers.
“My husband was yelling, ‘Please throw me your baby!’” Guillen said, voice breaking.
But John held on tightly, refusing to part from “his babies.”
Moments later, they were all swept away by the relentless floodwaters.
Aftermath of tragic incident unveiled.
John Burgess has since been confirmed dead, a heartbreaking loss for the community.
His wife Julia and their two young sons remain missing, their fate unknown.
Their daughter, safe at a nearby summer camp, was spared the disaster.
The Burgess family had come to the RV park for a joyful Fourth of July celebration.
Guillen recalled the kids’ excitement that day — a stark contrast to what came next.
The night’s horror wasn’t limited to the Burgess family; the entire RV park was ravaged.
Guillen says eight bodies were recovered on her property alone, with many more missing nearby.
She is calling for improved flood warnings and safety measures to prevent future loss.
“Why don’t we have alarms blaring at every property?” Guillen asked. “Something must change.”
She defended local authorities, noting their limited budgets hinder preparedness.
“They did the best they could with what they had,” she said, emphasizing the need for funding.
Father’s final act becomes emblem of flood tragedy.
The haunting image of a father refusing to let go of his children as the flood claimed them is a powerful symbol of love amid disaster.