RickyRay Robertson says while the discoveries have been uncomfortable, he takes some comfort in knowing that the families have some closure.
KERRVILLE, Texas — Just days after the waters started to recede at the Guadalupe River, the discovery of missing individuals began on the property of one Kerrville family.
Since then, they say a total of 12 people have been recovered on their property.
On Tuesday, the family shared with KENS 5 how they are remembering them.
RickyRay Robertson says while the discoveries have been uncomfortable, he takes some comfort in knowing that the families have some closure.
“I think in three days they found seven and we were like ‘Wow, this is crazy,’” said Robertson, a Kerrville Resident.
Robertson’s mother owns a 15 acre property that runs along both sides of the Guadalupe River, near the dam at Nimitz Lake.
Robertson says during the first week of searching, seven individuals were recovered from the property, days later another three and then two more. Brining the total to 12.
“We just know that four were children and the rest were adults,” said Robertson.
To remember them, Robertson, along with artist Roberto Marquez, who created the crosses memorial at Nimitz Lake, have erected crosses in front of the property.
There is one cross for each person recovered, he still needs to add one more.
While Robertson doesn’t know their names, he wants them to be remembered, not just as a number.
“They’re not just crosses. They’re faces of husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children,” he said.
While the wooden crosses are temporary, Robertson says when the waters recede, he wants to make a permanent memorial.
“We’re talking about doing a metal cross in the rock that will not wash away with the name of every victim,” said Robertson.
He says the individuals found on the property have brought the tragedy closer to his home and heart. Though he said he takes comfort in knowing their families will have some closure and can start the healing process.
“You can’t change it. All you can do is mourn with them, you know, and let them know we’ll never forget them either,” said Robertson.