Texas flood claims lives of Alabama couple and their granddaughter, 5, as rescue teams recover bodies
MOBILE, ALABAMA: The devastating Texas flood that tore through Kerrville County over the Fourth of July weekend has claimed three more lives - Mobile, Alabama residents Ileana Santana, her husband Eddie Santana Sr, and their 5-year-old granddaughter Mila Rose.
Their bodies were recovered after an exhaustive days-long search, bringing heartbreaking closure to the Santana family's tragic ordeal.
Tragic end to search as bodies of Mobile couple, granddaughter recovered after Texas flood
The family had been staying at the HTR TC Hill Country Campground, nestled near the Guadalupe River, when torrential rains caused the river to surge by 26 feet in just 45 minutes.
The rising waters swept away the cabin where the Santanas were sheltering. Eddie Santana Jr, Mila's father, managed to survive after being pulled into the flood waters and clinging to a tree for hours.
He was later hospitalized and released with injuries.
Camille Santana, Mila’s mother, was confirmed dead on July 8. Her sister, Kali, shared the news in a Facebook post. With Tuesday's discovery of Ileana and Mila's bodies, and Eddie Sr recovered on July 11, the entire family unit except for Eddie Jr was lost to the flood.
“With a heart full of gratitude we received word that both Ileana Santana and Mila Santana have been located,” wrote Ileana’s daughter Jaimee Santana.
“Our family can now finally lay EVERYONE TO REST TOGETHER! We extend our deepest thanks to everyone near and far for the overwhelming support and prayers. These radiant smiles will forever be etched in our memories.”
The flooding across Texas has now claimed at least 134 lives, with Kerr County alone reporting 107 fatalities, many of whom were children.
At least 101 individuals remain missing, including nearly 100 in Kerr County alone. Among the young victims is 8-year-old Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was attending Camp Mystic near the Guadalupe River when the floodwaters struck.
Alabama boosts support for Texas flood crisis with more search and rescue teams
Alabama is intensifying its aid efforts in flood-stricken Texas, with Governor Kay Ivey announcing the deployment of additional emergency personnel over the weekend.
The state’s latest contribution includes two Type III Swift Water Rescue Teams, trained to handle large-scale flooding scenarios and equipped to assist communities overwhelmed by rising waters.
“Alabama’s response to Texas is growing even stronger,” Gov Ivey said in a statement on Saturday.
“We are sending more boots on the ground from Central and North Alabama, and these brave men and women are trained, prepared and committed to making a difference. Our state is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Texas in this critical hour. As long as there’s help to be given, Alabama will be in the fight.”
Two specialized Type III Swift Water Teams have been deployed to assist in ongoing rescue operations.
