Thad Heartfield and his family are in Hunt searching for his son Aidan, and other victims who were swept away by floodwaters over the July 4th weekend.
HUNT, Texas — Thad Heartfield and his family are in the Texas Hill Country searching for his son Aidan, and other victims who were swept away by floodwaters over the July 4th weekend.
“I’m in Hunt, Texas, looking for my son, who was lost in the flood,” Heartfield said.
The tragedy began with an early morning phone call on July 4th weekend when rising waters threatened the home he was in with friends.
“Aiden did call me at 4 a.m. to let me know that there was water in the house. By the time they got out on the porch, they saw the cars wash away. Unfortunately, they were swept away by the water,” Heartfield said.
Search teams have recovered the bodies of his friends since the flooding receded, but Aidan, described as a high school sweetheart of flood victim Ella Cahill, remains unaccounted for.
“We’ve been here since the Fourth of July and have successfully recovered the body of three of his friends who were staying at our our home,” Heartfield said.
The search operation has established headquarters at 1813 Fleming Ranch Road, where volunteers receive daily assignments at 8:30 a.m. at what organizers have named “Fort Fleming.”
“It is 1813 Fleming Ranch Road, and there will be a large body of vehicles and a headquarters all day long that can assist with providing assignments on how you can help in the search,” Heartfield said.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Heartfield finds moments of comfort in the search locations.
“We realized that this was one of his favorite places, and we just laugh about the memories we had together with him,” he said.
The father described his missing son as the youngest in the family.
“Aiden was our Caboose in the family and any parent would brag about their kids, right? But genuinely, Aiden was a very kind and gentle soul. I believe that his spirit, and through God’s help, is channeling the energy that I’m finding to continue to to direct the search,” Heartfield said.
Community support has sustained the family through their ordeal.
“My heart is overflowing with love and filling the void of the sadness. Thank you for your countless prayers and keep them flowing, please,” Heartfield said.
How to support recovery efforts in the Hill Country
Join the volunteer search team in Hunt, Texas
- Morning Check-In Time: 8:30 a.m.
- Location: 1813 Fleming Ranch Road, Hunt, TX
- Volunteers meet each morning for search assignments and logistics briefings at the site nicknamed “Fort Fleming”
- Morning briefings are held in coordination with the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department, TX EquuSearch
- Assignments are available throughout the day, so volunteers can arrive at any time
What to expect & what to bring
- Be prepared for on-foot searches, including hiking through wet and rough terrain
- Recommended gear includes hiking boots, walking stick, light hiking gear, change of clothes (you may get wet)
Accommodations & lodging tips
- Overnight lodging in Kerrville is limited due to high demand
- Be prepared to search a wider radius outside of Kerrville for hotel or rental accommodations
- Make reservations early and remain flexible
If you’d like to donate supplies or resources
- Please call the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department before bringing items to ensure they are needed
- At this time, there is no urgent need for food or water. Hot meals and water are being provided daily at headquarters
Headquarters info & support
- Fort Fleming Headquarters (1813 Fleming Ranch Road) will have volunteers on-site all day
- Staff will be available to provide assignments, directions, and guidance for any newcomers
- This grassroots effort is being coordinated with support from former Marine and Army personnel
Volunteers can also report to Hunt Fire Department at 151 FM 1340, Hunt, TX 78024 before 1 p.m. for assignments.
What volunteers should wear:
- Long lightweight pants (like hiking pants)
- Lightweight shirt
- Wide brimmed hat or cap
- Rubber boots and hiking boots (depending on if you’re in water or mud)
What to bring:
- 5-6 ft stick or hiking poles without snow guard (to probe/steady yourself)
- Daypack
- Water (lots)
- Snack bars
- Gloves
- Trash bag
- Orange tape or spray paint to mark concerning areas
- Power bank and phone cord
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Extra socks
Useful equipment:
- Chainsaws (bring extra gas/oil mixture and maintenance supplies—they’ve been breaking down)
- Shovels
Hot meals and water are provided daily at headquarters. Volunteers should prepare for on-foot searches through wet and rough terrain.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.