Hundreds gathered in Kerrville for a vigil honoring Hill Country flood victims, uniting in grief and support.
KERRVILLE, Texas — It was a night of tears, prayers, and powerful unity.
In the heart of Kerrville, hundreds gathered Thursday evening for a community vigil honoring the victims of the catastrophic Hill Country flooding — a disaster that has already claimed at least 103 lives in Kerr County, with more than 100 still missing.
Along Water Street, a flower-covered fence became a sacred space. Photos of victims—young and old—lined the wall, forming a growing memorial that offered both heartbreak and healing.
“I’m sad because all those people on the wall died,” said little Emma, who traveled to the vigil with loved ones from Fredericksburg.
The vigil drew families who lost loved ones, those still searching, and others simply mourning alongside their neighbors. Churches across denominations came together in worship and solidarity. Therapy animals, including a goat and a high-energy miniature Australian shepherd named Chrissy, moved through the crowd, offering silent comfort.
“[Chrissy] doesn’t solve a problem,” said Al Walea of CARE Crisis Animal Response Team, “but she brings joy at a time when it’s desperately needed.”
Green ribbons fluttered in honor of Camp Mystic, where several victims were connected. Pastors shared prayers and offered a space for people to speak their grief aloud.
“It’s the most miraculous demonstration of unity we see in this community,” said Bishop-elect Marc Steele of St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Kerrville. “We’re really joined in this sorrow and grief together.”
Just two miles away, artist Roberto Marquez built a second memorial — a line of crosses representing each life lost. Marquez, who’s created similar memorials after the Uvalde school shooting and the San Antonio migrant tragedy, said he began placing crosses alone, but quickly found he wasn’t building in solitude for long.
“Then someone came and joined us. Then two more. Finally, it was a group of 8 to 10 people,” he said. “It becomes a place of reunion.”
Marquez recalled neighbors stopping by to talk, share stories, and ask for crosses of their own. One man said seven bodies were found on his property.
“All these families going through these difficult moments will know they’re not alone,” Marquez said.
As night fell, candles flickered in front of the memorial wall, casting a soft glow on the names and faces of the departed. In a time of immense pain, Kerrville found strength in one another.
“I like that everyone’s just coming in. It doesn’t matter if one of their family members are on the wall or not. They’re coming to pray for all those people,” said little Kaylee, who joined Emma and Sadie at the vigil.
“I hope they’re all with the Lord,” said Sadie.
This vigil wasn’t just about remembering lives lost. It was about holding each other up.