Update News: Texas death toll reaches 137 Wednesday after a missing woman’s body was recovered near Kerrville.
KERR COUNTY, TX – Authorities in Kerr County have confirmed that the body of a woman who went missing during the July 4 flooding of the Guadalupe River has been recovered. The discovery reduces the number of missing individuals from three to two, according to updates shared by county officials on Wednesday.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) verified that the recovered victim was among those reported missing after the devastating flood. Governor Greg Abbott later stated on social media that the two individuals who remain unaccounted for are a man and a young girl from Camp Mystic.
Initial Missing Persons Count Drastically Reduced
In the immediate aftermath of the flooding, the number of people reported missing soared to nearly 160, largely due to unverified calls and reports from concerned relatives and friends. At one point, that figure stood at 97, but officials say a thorough review and investigations have significantly narrowed the count to verified cases.
“Some individuals were initially reported missing despite being outside the affected area, while others had already returned to their homes but were unaware they had been listed among the missing,” the county said in a statement. Officials also confirmed that some of those originally listed have since been found deceased.
Community Cooperation Praised
County leaders expressed gratitude for the public’s role in helping first responders and investigators refine the missing persons list. “Your vigilance and communication have played a vital role in helping us bring clarity and answers to families across the region,” the statement noted.
Flood’s Devastating Toll
According to Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, 137 deaths have now been confirmed as a result of the Guadalupe River flood. Kidd provided the update during a session with the Texas House Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding.
Search and recovery operations remain ongoing, with officials emphasizing that the situation continues to evolve as they work to locate the two remaining missing individuals.
