Hundreds gathered at Tivy Antler Stadium in Kerrville, Texas, on Wednesday night to honor the victims of the devastating flash floods that struck the state over the July Fourth holiday weekend. Families, faith leaders, and community members joined in a solemn vigil, lighting candles and offering prayers for the more than 160 people still missing.
“This tragedy hit us in the middle of the night, quite literally in darkness,” said youth minister Wyatt Wentrcek, addressing the crowd. “But our community stands together in grief and in hope.”
The death toll from the floods has reached at least 120, making it the deadliest inland flooding event in the United States since 1976. The last confirmed survivor was found on Friday, and officials have since shifted their focus from rescue to recovery.
Many mourners wore blue T-shirts bearing the school’s motto, “Tivy Fight Never Die,” along with green ribbons in memory of victims from Camp Mystic, a century-old girls’ Christian camp where at least 27 lives were lost. Authorities confirmed that five campers and one counselor from the camp are still missing.
Kerrville Church of Christ pastor Ricky Pruitt reflected on the emotional weight of the vigil, saying, “This stadium is usually a place of celebration, but tonight is profoundly different.”
Rescue teams continue to scour the Guadalupe River area using boats, horses, and aircraft. Search dogs are helping comb through dense brush and debris. Officials say while the chances of finding survivors have diminished, the mission now is to bring closure to grieving families.
Worst Flood in Nearly 50 Years
Meteorologist Bob Henson noted that the disaster is the deadliest inland flood in the U.S. since Colorado’s Big Thompson Canyon tragedy in 1976, which claimed 144 lives.
Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged challenges in identifying victims, noting that many visitors to the Hill Country were not officially registered at lodgings or campsites. He has faced growing criticism over delayed warnings and insufficient evacuation measures.
Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County assured residents that while accountability is important, the current priority remains the search and recovery operation.
Governor Abbott is urging the state legislature to pass stronger flood warning measures and improve emergency communications. A special legislative session is scheduled for July 21 to address these proposals. Abbott is also calling for additional federal aid to assist with recovery.
For years, local officials debated implementing a flood siren system, but the idea was shelved due to concerns about cost and noise—an issue now under heavy scrutiny.
President Donald Trump has pledged full federal support and is expected to visit affected areas on Friday.
