Rising Toll in Texas Hill Country Floods as Houston Families Mourn Loved Ones Lost

The devastating floods that swept through Texas Hill Country have claimed at least 16 lives from the Greater Houston area, as search and recovery operations continue across the region. Torrential rains and rapidly rising rivers have left a trail of destruction, sorrow, and heroic last moments that are now becoming tragically clear.

Among the lives lost is Tim Walker, a respected Houston artist and owner of the Neon Gallery in Montrose. His body was recovered on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, after he was swept away in the floods near his family’s cabin in Hunt, Texas. According to relatives, Walker was with his wife, adult children, and grandchild when the floodwaters surged in on July 4. In a selfless act, he pushed all six of them toward safety, sacrificing his own life in the process. “Tim was a family man through and through,” said his cousin.

Also among the deceased is Mollie Schaffer, a beloved Houston resident and the wife of well-known attorney Randy Schaffer. The couple had been staying at a hotel in Hunt when the water began to rise rapidly. Hotel staff reportedly advised them to seek higher ground, but their vehicle became stuck. As the current swept them away, Mollie refused to leave the car until she knew her husband was safe. He survived by clinging to a utility pole; Mollie did not. Her husband described her as selfless to the very end, saying, “She saved my life. It wasn’t my day to die. I wish it hadn’t been hers.”

In Montgomery County, authorities confirmed the death of Reese Menchaca, a recent graduate of Caney Creek High School. Reese had been staying in a cabin in Hunt with three friends when the waters surged. All were swept away. Her body was later recovered.

Grief also reached Kerrville, where Blakely McCrory, a young camper at Camp Mystic, was identified early Tuesday. Her grandfather confirmed the news, while Blakely’s mother and four sisters had waited anxiously for updates. Blakely was one of several campers at the girls’ summer camp caught in the flood.

Another Camp Mystic camper, Greta Toranzo, was also confirmed dead. Her family shared a final joyful photo of Greta proudly holding a fish she had caught—just one of many memories from what was supposed to be a fun-filled summer.

The family of Brad Perry confirmed that he, too, was among the victims. Details surrounding his death have not been released, but he was identified late Tuesday.

Tragedy struck the HTR Hill Country Resort RV park as well. Amber Wilson, who had been staying there with her husband, Jeff, and son, Shiloh, was confirmed dead by her brother Tuesday night. Jeff Wilson’s death had previously been confirmed by his employer, while their young son, Shiloh, is still missing.

Melissa Kamin was confirmed dead by family. Her husband, Rob Kamin, had earlier been identified, and the couple’s loss is being mourned by friends and relatives.

Other confirmed victims from the Greater Houston area include:

John Burgess, confirmed by a family statement

Chloe Childress, 19, a counselor at Camp Mystic and graduate of The Kinkaid School

Margaret Bellows, 8, a camper at Camp Mystic who attended with her sister, who survived

Mary Kathryn Jacobe, 8, another young camper

Lainey Landry, also a camper at Camp Mystic, confirmed via obituary

Molly DeWitt, another young life lost from Camp Mystic, also confirmed by obituary

As of Wednesday night, several individuals remain missing, including:

Kellyanne Lytal, Camp Mystic

Ellen Getten, Camp Mystic

Katherine Ferruzzo, Camp Mystic counselor

Shiloh Wilson, HTR Hill Country Resort

Margaret Sheedy

Julia Anderson Burgess

Jack Burgess

James Burgess

Rescue crews continue to search tirelessly in hopes of finding the missing. The Texas Hill Country, known for its scenic beauty and popular summer camps, has now become the scene of unimaginable heartbreak for dozens of families.