KERR COUNTY, Texas – The Texas Hill Country is still recovering from the deadly July Fourth floods. The destruction happened in an instant, but now that flood waters have begun to recede, there is a long road ahead to rebuild.
KPRC 2’s Paige Hubbard traveled to Center Point, Texas, where search and recovery efforts remain the biggest focal point in Kerr County.
As of Monday, there are still dozens missing and unaccounted for. Those tragic circumstances compel people like Kirsten Spevak to pitch in and volunteer to help find survivors.
“We have never seen this much devastation,” she said.
Spevak traveled from Boerne, Texas, to Kerr County as the death toll from the devastating floods continues to rise. She, along with dozens of other volunteers, searched through massive piles of mangled debris along the Guadalupe River, not knowing what they might encounter.
“I understand they collected six bodies from the river yesterday, but we have not seen anything today,” said Spevak.
Spevak said she felt compelled to join search efforts after her children attended a camp just a month ago near the area hit hardest by the floods.
“They were eight and 10 years old. So, it kind of spoke to me about that. I hate the situation for all those mothers who have lost their kids. So, my husband and I came down here with a group of people from Boerne to assist,” said Spevak.
As of Monday morning, officials report 10 girls and one counselor are still missing from Camp Mystic. Camp Mystic is a private Christian camp that has been a part of the Kerrville community for decades, operating for nearly 100 years.
Richard “Dick” Eastland, the director of Camp Mystic died while attempting to save campers from the raging flood waters. Those who knew him best have shared that’s how Eastland “would have wanted to go.”
Volunteer Joel Stolarski shared he’s no stranger to flooding and has lived in the area for 30 years, but this flood was different.
“I’ve seen this kind of flooding before, I’ve been in this area for 30 years, but this is probably the biggest one,” said Stolarski. “The devastation, I mean, just seeing all this happen, and I have family members in the area. Everyone is safe, but my heart strings just made me want to come out and see how I can help the situation.”
Despite the catastrophic destruction, a deep sense of compassion could be felt through Center Point.
From search crews to locals and volunteers, those who spoke with KPRC 2 were moved to tears as they shared their hopes for rebuilding after the destruction.
“Prayers... Jesus help us, help these people that have lost kids, grandkids and parents,” he said.