This artist is making sure every victim is remembered in a special way.
KERRVILLE, Texas — New tributes and challenges are unfolding in the Texas Hill Country as the search for nearly 160 people enters its eleventh night. Over the last few days, weather has made the search difficult.
Despite the tough conditions, several people are working to honor the victims as they are named. Crews continue working to find those who have not been recovered.
In the heart of Ingram, Texas, you’ll find the banks of the Guadalupe River. Wildlife makes its way through piles of branches while the race to recover victims continues.
“What troubles have you guys had with the water today?” KHOU 11 Reporter Amanda Henderson asked.
“Yesterday and today we had to stop because of the rain. When it rains the river is coming up,” Manolo Acevedo with Protección Civil said.
Acevedo’s team is armed with ATVs, divers, boats, maps and search dogs. They only take breaks when officials tell them it’s too dangerous to search.
The team is one of several seen Monday walking the river and searching for evidence of those swept away in the floods.
“We have been talking with some of them. It’s difficult what they show us and what we find in the river too,” Acevedo said.
About four miles downriver from Acevedo’s team in Kerrville, Roberto Marquez was found working on a memorial.
“I’ve made 148. But I believe we need to make another 18,” Marquez said.
The artist is handmaking crosses to honor those lost across Texas.
“You can see the lumber has been broken. The river pushed it — must have been a wall, fence,” Marquez said.
The crosses now line Guadalupe Park. There’s also a wall for people to leave messages nearby.
“I can’t help but notice this one that says blessings and prayers from Uvalde, Texas,” Henderson said.
“See what I mean. There’s been a lot of people here from Uvalde,” Marquez said.
Marquez reads the notes already written out loud.
“United in love for the Texas Hill Country,” Marquez said.
Marquez hopes this area will bring a sense of peace for those who visit.
“This becomes a sacred place for everyone to come and unite so we can all get together and comfort each other. I think that’s what we have to do. Especially in this moment,” Marquez said.
Marquez said people have been donating wood for the crosses, which includes some he has been told is from Camp Mystic. He and his wife plan to add candles, flowers and items found along the Guadalupe River to build the growing memorial.