As of Saturday afternoon, 43 people were killed and dozens are still missing after flood waters tore through Kerr County without warning.
BEAUMONT, Texas — St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica held a special Mass Saturday morning to pray for those affected by the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
As of Saturday afternoon, at least 43 people were killed, including 15 children and dozens are still missing after floodwaters tore through Kerr County without warning. Camp Mystic in Hunt, which had more than 750 campers attending, was hit especially hard.
Among those missing are three graduates of Monsignor Kelly High School, Ella Cahill, Aidan Heartfield and Joyce Badon. Reese Manchaca and 8-year-old Mary Grace Baker are also listed as missing.
In the wake of this tragedy, Father Shane Baxter asked Southeast Texas to come together. That call was answered as a large crowd of people packed themselves into the Cathedral to pray for both miracles, and peace for family members.
“We’re here to try to bring some comfort to the family members that are victims of this flooding in Central Texas,” said Father Baxter “It’s a helpless feeling, so this is something we can do. To gather together for prayer and seek comfort from God.”
Father Baxter says a friend, whose daughter went missing during the flood, had called him and asked for prayers while they searched for her.
“The best thing we can do where we are is to pray for them, and give them as much support as we can,” said Father Baxter.
An emotional Alison Kiker, Principal of St. Anne Catholic School, expressed how close to home this tragedy has hit.
“Mary Grace is a current student at at St. Anne Catholic School where I’m principle, and Aiden Ella, and Joyce are former students of Kelly High School,” said Kiker “We’re actively praying, we’re actively putting their names out there on everybody’s lips so people can pray for them by name.”
Kiker went on to say that she hopes to see the community continue to come together to give the families hope.
As of 12:55 p.m. Saturday, 27 Camp Mystic campers are still missing.
Stan Floyd, President of American Air Boat Corporation says he wants to help in any way possible.
“I saw it on the news yesterday, and it was just driving me crazy. If I can get over there and just find one person just help with whatever needs to take place,” Floyd said.
Floyd took one of his boats to Central Texas to help in the rescue efforts.
“It can drive on dry land, and it can climb over trees, you know, down trees, so it’s quite an impressive boat,” he said.
He is one of many sharing prayers for those missing and the people working to find them.
Officials say more than 850 people were rescued from the flooding so far, with many clinging to trees and waiting hours for help.
Search efforts are still ongoing, and Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha says they will not rest until everyone is found.
“We will not stop until every single person is found,” Sheriff Leitha said. “It’s going to take a while.”