Texas dad got swept away while ‘holding tight
Texas Flood Tragedy Leaves Nation in Mourning
Flash floods have devastated parts of Texas, claiming over 100 lives and leaving dozens missing. Among the most heartbreaking stories is that of John Burges of Liberty, Texas, who died while clinging to a tree and holding his two sons. Witnesses say he refused to let go, even as floodwaters surged.
“My husband was in the water trying to ask them, ‘Please throw me your baby!’” said Lorena Guillen, who witnessed the scene. “The man was holding tight to his babies, and he just got swept away.” John’s wife and sons remain missing; only their daughter, who was at summer camp, survived.
Camp Mystic: Loss and Heroism
Kerr County, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw tragedy strike Camp Mystic, a popular girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River. At least 27 children and staff died, with 11 still missing.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” the camp said. One of the victims was camp director Richard “Dick” Eastland. His grandson shared, “If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way — saving the girls that he so loved and cared for.”
Chaos at Blue Oak RV Park
The RV park where the Burges family stayed was destroyed. Guillen described a night of terror: “We heard people screaming throughout the night. ‘Help me! Help me!’… The cabins… came floating, and they were getting smashed against the trees. It was just too much.”
A Community’s Strength
Despite the destruction, communities have rallied. Emergency crews, volunteers, and neighbors have become first responders. As search efforts continue, the nation holds onto hope — honoring the lost and supporting the survivors.