Local News
Governor Greg Abbott Confirms 109 Dead, 161 Missing Amid Catastrophic Flooding in Kerr County
KERR COUNTY, TX — Governor Greg Abbott confirmed on Tuesday that at least 109 people have died and 161 remain unaccounted for in Kerr County following catastrophic flooding in central Texas.
The announcement came during a visit to the region, where Abbott was joined by House Speaker Dustin Burrows to assess the devastation and discuss the state’s emergency response efforts.
Texas Game Wardens Lt. Col. Ben Baker stated that his agency responded in the early hours of Friday, July 4, and has since deployed over 300 game wardens to the area.
The search and rescue teams have covered more than 26 miles of the Guadalupe River, conducting approximately 444 rescues and confirming 30 recoveries.
Resources deployed by Texas Game Wardens include:
- 2 helicopters with hoist-equipped rescue teams
- 10 K-9 search and recovery units
- 9 swift water rescue boat crews
- 15 airboats
- 16 utility terrain vehicles (UTVs)
- 169 four-wheel drive vehicles
Lt. Col. Baker emphasized that Texas Game Wardens will remain on-site in Kerr County for the foreseeable future and urged continued prayers and support for the victims, their families, first responders, and the affected communities as the search and recovery efforts continue.
Governor Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for multiple counties impacted by the historic floods and pledged to allocate all necessary state resources to support ongoing operations.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.