During the early morning hours, the rain began to fall in Kerrville, Texas, setting the stage for the devastating flood that would soon engulf the area. Lorena Guillen, owner of Blue Oak RV Park and Howdy’s Bar and Grill, described her experience of the night of the flood. The rainfall started around 1 a.m., and by 2:30 a.m., she checked the rivers to assess the situation. At first, the water levels seemed manageable, so she called the sheriff’s department for an update. However, by the time she returned to sleep, the waters had already risen significantly.
Awakened between 3:30 and 4 a.m., Guillen was met with the sight of rescue lights illuminating the night. She quickly sprang into action, rushing from RV to RV, knocking on doors and urging everyone to evacuate. She explained that her husband, John Burgess, had gone down to his waist in water to try and save the family. Despite his courageous efforts, the family was overwhelmed by the flood. The tragedy has left Guillen’s husband missing, along with his wife and two sons. Their daughter, however, reportedly survived and is safe, having been staying at a nearby camp.
Guillen detailed the chaos during the flood, noting the sight of cars floating away with lights blinking as if in a desperate search for help. The sound of honking was everywhere, adding to the cacophony of the night. She also described the sight of cabins from the neighboring area colliding with trees, creating a scene of destruction. Despite the devastation, Guillen’s employees helped her clean up the restaurant, which had some mud inside. They worked together to begin the recovery efforts, showing the community’s resilience in the face of such a tragedy.
The incident has left a lasting impact on the local community, with Guillen recounting the events with a mixture of horror and determination. The flood has claimed more than 100 lives, underscoring the dangers of extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness. As the community begins to recover, the story of Guillen and her husband’s brave attempt to save a family serves as a reminder of the human spirit in the face of nature’s fury.