Texas Man Struggles to Cope as Five Family Members Remain Missing Following Devastating Floods

KERRVILLE, Texas — In the oppressive heat of Texas, as night fell, Xavier Ramirez stood outside Calvary Temple Church, hoping for a miracle. He clung to the hope that his mother, stepfather, aunt, uncle, and cousin had survived the raging waters of the Guadalupe River. At just 23, Ramirez from Midland felt the weight of uncertainty pulling him down, navigating each moment “minute to minute, second to second.”

His cousin, Devyn Smith, 23, was rescued after the river overflowed at HTR Campgrounds near Ingram. She was located about 20 miles downstream, tangled in a tree, and is currently recovering at Peterson Regional Medical Center. However, six family members were at the campground when the flooding struck.

Ramirez anxiously awaited news about his aunt Tasha Ramos, cousin Kendall Ramos, stepfather Cody Crossland, mother Michelle Crossland, and uncle Joel Ramos. The campsite had long been a cherished family getaway, a place filled with memories since Ramirez was a child. The tragic flooding, exacerbated by severe thunderstorms in the Texas Hill Country, led to catastrophic conditions.

According to NOAA, the Guadalupe River reached a flood stage of 23.4 feet, indicative of “major flooding.” The swift rise of the waters led to abandoned vehicles, destroyed mobile homes, and desolate summer camps usually bustling with activity. The devastating floods have claimed at least 51 lives statewide, with 27 children among the missing, including those from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls.

Kerr County has been particularly hard hit, suffering at least 43 fatalities, including 15 children, as rescue operations continue. On Saturday, Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in 20 affected counties, proclaiming Sunday a day of prayer for the victims. Ramirez’s family had been sleeping in their trucks when the river began to rise on Friday morning, seeking refuge from the storm.

His aunt was the first to wake, and in a frantic scramble, they attempted to climb to safety. Tragically, Ramirez lost his uncle in the turbulent waters as he fought to keep the family together. While his mother, stepfather, and Smith reached higher ground and planned to seek help, Ramirez’s family found their truck battered and flipped against a tree, a grim reminder of the chaos.

His mother’s purse remained inside, a poignant symbol of her absence. “I’m the only boy, so I’m trying to hold it together for the rest of the family,” Ramirez said.