Tragic Incident: Deaths in Texas Floods Include a Youth from Alabama, an Elderly Individual, and a Camp Leader
In the aftermath of the devastating flash floods that have ravaged Central Texas, particularly in Kerr County near the Guadalupe River, the search for several individuals, including Tanya Burwick, Jane Ragsdale, Sarah Marsh, and the Harber sisters, remains ongoing.
As of July 7, 2025, the confirmed death toll in Kerr County alone has reached at least 68, with additional fatalities reported in other parts of Central Texas, bringing the statewide death toll to over 80. Among those publicly identified is Lila Bonner, a camper at Camp Mystic, and Bobby and Amanda Martin, who were found dead after the floodwaters receded. However, Tanya Burwick, Jane Ragsdale, Sarah Marsh, and the Harber sisters have not been officially confirmed as victims or missing persons at this time.
Rescue teams and volunteers continue to search through debris, overturned cars, and mud-filled areas for survivors and to recover the bodies of victims. Authorities are working diligently to identify more victims, a process that may take time due to the scale of the disaster and the condition of the recovered remains.
Sarah Marsh, a rising sixth grader and a student athlete in volleyball and lacrosse, was attending Camp Mystic in Texas when the flood hit. Blair and Brooke Harber, enrolled in advanced classes and involved in various school activities, were swept away when their cabin was carried away by the Guadalupe River while at a camp in Texas.
Tanya Burwick, a 62-year-old grandmother, disappeared on her way to work in the San Angelo area on Friday. Her body was found the next morning. Debbie Ford Marsh, Sarah's grandmother, expressed her grief and love for her granddaughter on Facebook.
The Harber sisters' mother, Annie Harber, has been a longtime teacher at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, where Blair and Brooke were students. Pastor Joshua J. Whitfield of St. Rita Catholic Community offered a special prayer service and counseling for the Harber family.
Jane Ragsdale, a 68-year-old woman, was a devoted director of the Heart O'the Hills Camp, a summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country. She was remembered for her strength, wisdom, and ability to make every person feel seen, loved, and important.
The search for the missing individuals continues, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this tragic event.
- The ongoing search for Tanya Burwick, Jane Ragsdale, Sarah Marsh, and the Harber sisters is a crucial component in the aftermath of the recent war-and-conflicts, manifested by the floods, in Central Texas.
- Policy-and-legislation is being considered for better weather-forecasting and disaster preparedness, as the devastating floods highlight the need for improved systems in light of rapidly changing climate conditions.
- The recent fatalities in car-accidents and fires during the floods have emphasized the importance of crime-and-justice scrutiny to ensure accountability for any lapses in emergency response and traffic control.
- The tragic floods have overshadowed general-news, with the statewide death toll exceeding 80, including Lila Bonner, the Martins, and unidentified victims like Tanya Burwick and the Harber sisters.
- In the midst of this tragedy, the passion and camaraderie of sports teams, such as Sarah Marsh's volleyball and lacrosse squad and the basketball teams of the NCAA, remain a source of inspiration for the communities affected by the floods.
- The rise of sports-betting platforms has been a topic of politics, with increasing concerns about addiction and ethical dilemmas related to the funding and management of sports programs, especially in the wake of tragedies such as the floods.
- Weather conditions continue to be monitored, with forecasters warning of possible further floods and the need for residents to be vigilant and prepared as the recovery and search efforts for the missing individuals persist.
