The ‘River of Angels’ memorial in Kerrville, Texas, has become a focal point for mourning the victims of the recent floods. This roadside tribute, initiated by Leo Soto of Wall of Hope, has grown significantly over the past 72 hours, symbolizing the collective grief of the community. The memorial features a wall of flowers and photographs, with locals contributing personal items to honor the deceased, including teddy bears, drawings, and balloons.
A sign bearing the name ‘River of Angels’ has given the memorial its unofficial title, capturing the profound sense of loss experienced by the residents of Kerr County. The area has been hit particularly hard, with at least 100 deaths and over 160 people still missing. The memorial has drawn thousands of visitors, many of whom have expressed their condolences and gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Leo Soto, who traveled from Miami to start the memorial, emphasized the community’s role in the effort. He noted that within hours of initiating the project, dozens of people were helping to attach the flowers to the photographs of the victims. The memorial has taken on a life of its own, with people from all walks of life contributing to its growth and meaning. He also mentioned that a sign reading ‘River of Angels’ was placed by someone unknown, reflecting the community’s ownership of the site.
The emotional impact of the memorial was evident as visitors shared their grief. A woman who studied the photographs suddenly shrieked upon recognizing a face on the display but had not realized the person was among the deceased. She was visibly shaken, crouched down near the curb, and made a call on her cell phone, with tears streaming down her face. Similarly, Carolyn Miller, a lifelong Texas resident, expressed her sorrow, stating that the grief is devastating and will continue for years. She noted the difficulty in finding the missing due to the extensive debris and silt in the water.
Many residents, including Anne Lowery, a lifelong Kerrville resident, spoke about the overwhelming sadness of the event. Lowery, who has experienced previous flooding disasters, stated that last week’s deluge was far worse. She mentioned the tragic loss of lives and the overwhelming sadness that accompanies such a catastrophe. She also noted her personal feelings of helplessness, acknowledging that she has a home and everything is okay, but the loss of life is deeply impactful.
Among the victims were Coach Reece Zunker and his wife, whose two sons are still missing. Local high school student Madison Boner, who was taught by Zunker, shared her memories of the coach, calling him a great teacher who helped her overcome her lack of confidence. She expressed her grief at the loss of life and the impact it has on the community, particularly on the students who will now have to face the absence of someone they admired and respected.
Turning to faith for comfort, Bishop Julian Dobbs of St. Michael and All Angels Church in Kerrville was at the memorial, emphasizing the importance of prayer and community support for both first responders and victims. He, along with Bishop Marc Steele, encouraged people to gather for worship and find hope in the power of faith. Dobbs spoke about the significance of the photographs, noting that every life is precious and sacred, and that the tragedy has changed the community forever. He expressed that the memorial is a chance for the community to come together and find hope in the Christian faith, particularly in the power of Jesus to bring support and healing.