The ceremony began with the reading of the victims’ names—13 individuals, ranging in age from 28 to 63 years old.
SAN ANTONIO — A heartbreaking show of unity unfolded Wednesday night as families and neighbors gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the 13 lives lost in last week’s devastating flash flooding.
Hosted in the parking lot of the San Antonio Aware and Prepared headquarters at 5819 Northwest Loop 410, the vigil was organized by two local nonprofits – Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach and Jesus in Motion Ministry – who say their mission was to ensure no one grieves alone.
The ceremony began with the reading of the victims’ names—13 individuals, ranging in age from 28 to 63 years old. Their photographs, surrounded by flowers, were placed at the base of a wooden apex, forming a solemn tribute encircled by posters and grieving families.
At the time of the vigil, one of the victims was still unidentified.
“It can happen any time. Our weather is crazy. We live in Texas, so our weather changes all the time,” said Ryan Maldonado with Jesus in Motion Ministry. “I think it’s good to bring awareness that things can happen like this.”
Tyson Tufono, who lost his father Matthew Angel Tufono in the floodwaters, stood before the crowd with a message of faith and resilience.
“We may not understand it today, but everything happens in accordance with God’s will,” he said. “Don’t let this break y’all.”
Wednesday’s vigil wasn’t just a moment of remembrance—it was a call for change.
Brittany Guerrero, whose father Rudy Garza was among the victims, voiced a call to action: “We will not stop until the road gets fixed. It may not have helped my father, but it will help somebody else’s loved one.”
Guerrero says she’s formed a bond with other families who also lost loved ones—and she’s grateful for the way the community has shown up to support them in the wake of tragedy.
“I always tell them I’m sorry we’re meeting on these terms,” she said. “But it seems like people that you’ll stay in contact with. Nobody will understand the feeling. I’ve seen floods before and I’ve always felt bad, but I’ve never felt this feeling that I have in my heart.”
Loved ones of 43-year-old Derwin Anderson said they were left to search for him alone near the area of Callaghan and Highway 90. A friend of Anderson joined other families at the podium Wednesday, voicing a call to action.
“To see the unity here today is bittersweet,” she said. “Don’t give up, because the fight is about to start…When I say we’ve got to stand together, we’ve got to stand together.”
Many in attendance didn’t know the victims personally but came to show support.
“I live close to the Beitel Creek, so I could imagine that it could have been myself, my husband or my daughter. It just made me shake,” said Antonia Murguia. “I lost my son to suicide, and I know what it is to have your world be normal and then all of a sudden someone’s gone.”
Grief support remains a concern for many. One mother told Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach that her son is still on a waiting list for mental health services following the loss of a loved one in the flood. Advocacy groups are working to connect families with both financial and emotional resources.
PHOTOS: San Antonians gather to mourn 13 killed in June 12 flash flooding
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones attended the vigil and offered a direct message to those mourning.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” she said. “Your community stands with you to make sure we understand exactly what happened and we make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
She continued, “I wanted to look families in the eyes. We’re going to get this right.”
Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark echoed that sentiment with painful honesty.
“Our community was failed,” she said. “We failed you. Somehow, we failed you. Thirteen people are gone but never forgotten—and this will go down in our history books.”
Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach told families there are no words to erase the pain, but assured them they are not alone and support is ongoing.
As the sun set, the crowd stood together in silence in memory of the 13 lives cut short—and in hope that their loss may spark lasting change.