Mon Jul 14 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Kerrville Campground Devastated by Flash Flood: Family Lost, Community Rallies
**Kerrville, TX -** What began as a peaceful Fourth of July weekend kickoff at the Blue Oak RV Park in Kerrville turned into a horrific tragedy as a flash flood tore through the Texas Hill Country early Saturday morning, leaving a trail of devastation and loss. At least 120 people are confirmed dead across the region, with many still missing.
The Guadalupe River surged with unexpected force around 4 a.m., inundating the campground and sweeping away campers who were caught unaware. Bob Canales, owner of the RV park and nearby Howdy’s Bar and Chill, recounted frantically trying to warn sleeping campers as the waters rose.
“Everyone was looking forward to a great weekend,” Canales said. “Within the span of 45 minutes, they were wiped off the planet.”
Among those tragically impacted were John Burgess, younger brother of country singer Pat Green, his wife Julia, and their two young sons. The family was visiting Kerrville and staying at the RV Park. Canales described his desperate attempts to reach the family, who were trapped on a small island in the middle of the river. Unable to safely reach them in the raging current, Canales watched helplessly as they were swept away.
John and Julia Burgess have since been found dead. Their two sons remain missing. The couple’s daughter, was the only survivor, along with their dog.
Canales vividly described the chaos as transformers exploded and cabins were swept downstream. “Cars drifted by in the current, their headlights still cutting through the darkness as people inside screamed for help,” he recounted.
In the aftermath, the community has rallied to support each other. Canales and his wife immediately opened Howdy’s Bar and Chill to provide food and shelter for first responders. Despite suffering their own losses, including the death of an employee who sacrificed himself to save his family, they quickly worked to reopen the bar, a symbol of resilience for the community.
“It’s been so important to have people return to a sense of normalcy,” Canales said. “I think people see that we’re going to survive this.”
Howdy’s Bar and Chill reopened on Tuesday and donations have poured in. While reminders of the flood are everywhere, Canales remains optimistic. “As Texans, we come back stronger than ever and we’ll do it again. We owe that to the memory of the people that were lost.”
The search for the missing continues along the Guadalupe River. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.
First Piper 