A Liberty family is among the victims still unaccounted for following a catastrophic flash flood that surged through the Guadalupe River in Kerr County on July 4 — a day usually marked by celebration and family gatherings. John and Julia Burgess and their two young sons remain missing after floodwaters rapidly overtook the RV park where they were staying for the holiday.
The couple’s daughter, who was attending a nearby summer camp, was spared from the tragedy.
In a matter of just 45 minutes, the river rose an astonishing 27 feet — transforming a peaceful holiday escape into a deadly emergency in the early hours of Independence Day. Emergency officials say the water overwhelmed campers without warning, tearing through RVs and cabins and sweeping away vehicles, people, and entire structures.
The Burgess family was believed to be inside their RV with their two sons when the flood hit in the early morning hours around 4 a.m. Their daughter was not with them at the time and is safe, according to family friends.
John Burgess is a former managing partner at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty and Julia Burgess is a teacher at Liberty Elementary School.
The Burgess family are members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Liberty, where a candlelight vigil is taking place throughout the day on Saturday, July 5. The vigil will continue until 10 p.m. and is open to anyone wishing to stop by and pray for the family’s safety and the peace of their extended circle of family and friends.
Though some unverified reports have circulated suggesting that a body believed to belong to one of the family members has been located, authorities have not confirmed any identifications as of yet to the public. The Burgess family is still officially considered missing, and hope remains alive among loved ones and the community.
The flood was caused by torrential rainfall that surprised weather analysts as much as those staying along the river, which is prone to flash flooding. During news reports following the tragedy, Kerr County officials said the Guadalupe River is the most dangerous river valley in the United States because of its propensity for flash flooding.
Praying the family is safe 🙏🏾
I just saw an update on the bodies that have been found. Mr. Burgess is now listed as FOUND.