Texas flood death toll hits 135 as Kerrville search continues and dozens remain missing

Texas authorities confirmed 135 fatalities from devastating Independence Day flooding that swept across the state. The Greater Kerrville region suffered the most severe losses with 116 deaths reported by Governor Greg Abbott. Search teams continue working to locate 101 missing persons throughout the affected Kerrville area. Earlier reports had placed the statewide death count at 132 before climbing to the current figure. Missing person numbers dropped significantly from over 160 cases to the present total.

Kerr County bore the heaviest impact as floodwaters claimed lives across the region. Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River lost 27 individuals among campers and staff members. Recovery crews found the body of Katherine Ferruzzo, a 19-year-old counselor, reducing the camp's missing count to five campers. Nearly 170 people had been reported missing from Kerr County immediately after the disaster struck. Rescue operations continue as teams work to account for remaining missing persons.

Abbott expanded his disaster declaration to encompass 26 counties across Texas. Hamilton, Lampasas, Maverick, Sutton, and Uvalde counties received recent additions to the emergency designation. The flooding destroyed homes, roads, and essential infrastructure throughout the declared areas.