Investigators believe Nicole Keller and a man were swept away by floodwaters before they were discovered in Salado Creek Sept. 1.
SAN ANTONIO — We’re learning more about the woman swept away by floodwaters in a north-side creek over Labor Day Weekend.
Nicole Keller’s body was discovered in Salado Creek on Sept. 1. Investigators also found a man in the water, but the medical examiner has not yet identified him.
Nicole’s daughter, Mandi Keller, says her mother had been living in tunnels with a boyfriend and struggled with substance abuse. She leaves behind four kids, including Mandi.
“When I found out, it was heartbreaking,” Mandi said. “It was a hard thing to deal with.”
The medical examiner has ruled Nicole’s death an accidental drowning.
Mandi says she doesn’t want her mother remembered only by her circumstances.
“Don’t just call her that homeless lady that drowned or whatever. She’s a beautiful person,” she said.
Nicole is one of 15 people killed during two separate flooding events this summer in San Antonio. Those tragedies have pushed Bexar County leaders to act. Just this week, commissioners approved a budget that includes $21 million for an upgraded flood warning system.
The NextGen Flood Warning System will feature updated gauges and sensors to better alert officials when flooding is happening in creeks and rivers.
Mandi isn’t sure whether those improvements would have saved her mom, but says she’s grateful something is being done.
“If she knew it was coming, she wouldn’t be there,” she said.
Mandi has started a GoFundMe to cover the costs of cremation and a memorial service for her mother.