Fact Check: Did country music star George Strait donate $3.5M to support Texas flood victims?
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: The devastating flash floods that hit Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend have so far killed more than 100 people, including at least 27 girls and staff from Camp Mystic alone, as per recent reports.
Amid this, many big names have come up and have pledged to donate some amount to support flood victims. Several posts circulating on social media sites claim country music star George Strait donated $3.5 million amid the devastating tragedy. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.
Claim: George Strait donated $3.5M to support Texas flood victims
Following the July 4 flash floods, posts claiming that George Strait donated $3.5 million to support flood victims emerged on social media.
On July 6, a Facebook page named Country Heartstrings posted, "As Texas faced a devastating flood disaster that caused heavy damage and claimed at least 51 lives — including 15 children — a legendary name in country music managed to warm people's hearts. George Strait, a man known for his private, quiet demeanor, surprised everyone by donating $3.5 million to support the victims and the families of those still missing in this horrific flood. But he didn't stop there — what George Strait did next left fans both astonished and deeply moved."
The post was linked to a news story from a news website called 7 Media, with the headline, "George Strait Steps Up Amid Texas Flood Tragedy — and His Next Move Leaves Fans in Awe."
The story read, "The King of Country donated a staggering $3.5 million to aid flood victims and help families still searching for loved ones swept away in the torrents…."
It further claimed, "George Strait’s team confirmed on Friday that the singer personally pledged $3.5 million to support immediate relief efforts, including search and rescue operations, temporary housing, food programs, and counseling services for grieving families."
Another Facebook user made a similar claim that read, "As Texas faced one of the most devastating floods in recent history taking the lives of 51 people, including 15 innocent children and many still missing - something incredibly moving happened - while many watched from afar George Strait quietly stepped into the storm’s aftermath, not with cameras or press, but with $3.5 million in donations and a heart full of compassion."
False: No credible evidence to back the claim that George Strait donated $3.5 million to support Texas flood victims
The claims made in the online post are false, as there is no credible evidence supporting reports that George Strait made a $3.5 million public donation to Texas flood relief efforts, Snopes reported.
Moreover, a representative for Strait mentioned in a mail to the fact-checking outlet, "We have not issued a statement about aid as we're still determining how best to support the community."
Furthermore, the news article contained details about the donation, but searches on search engines, such as Google and Bing, showed no credible results from any reputable media house.
Texas floods death toll climbs to above 100
The death toll from flash floods in Texas has now gone past 100 people, and an unknown number of others are missing, recent reports suggest.
Meanwhile, Camp Mystic confirmed that at least 27 girls and staff were among the dead.
Camp Mystic said in a statement, "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy."
Around 84 of the victims, 56 adults and 28 children, died in Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River was filled by downpours before daybreak on Friday.
Furthermore, 22 adults and 10 children are yet to be identified, the county sheriff's office stated.
