In the wake of devastating floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country, two lives have been tragically lost, prompting an outpouring of grief from the families affected. One of the victims, 65-year-old John Mark Steward, was swept away in Kerrville, leaving behind a community in mourning.
As floodwaters gradually recede, the extent of the destruction becomes increasingly evident. Sandra Gomez, a resident of Uvalde, described the impact on her home, stating, “This is our residence right behind me. It got hit pretty badly, but it’s not as bad as we thought it would. Mud is all throughout the house.”
The flooding has wreaked havoc across the region, with the FM 481 bridge in Uvalde County completely washed away. Recovery efforts are now underway in Kerr County, which experienced an astonishing 20 inches of rainfall over a few days, resulting in widespread flooding.
Governor Greg Abbott has warned that the Nueces River remains a significant threat to the community. He emphasized that even though the rain has subsided, the rivers will continue to rise due to the flow of water downstream. “Residents and leaders need to understand that the rivers will still rise and pose life-threatening danger,” Abbott stated.
In response to the catastrophic flooding, Governor Abbott has declared a major disaster for the 28 counties hardest hit, which will facilitate access to federal relief as communities embark on the long journey of recovery and rebuilding.
The floods have already claimed lives, including that of a 74-year-old man who was discovered deceased in his vehicle after being swept away north of Uvalde. His identity has not yet been disclosed.
In Kerrville, family members of Mark Steward are grappling with their loss. His brother, Stephen, shared that Mark was at home when the manufactured home he shared with his wife was carried off by the raging waters. At the time, his wife was out of town.
Having recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary, the family is now left to grieve. “Right now, the community is lost; the church and the community itself have lost a very loving, caring man who really did care for people,” Stephen commented.
Describing the moment he rushed to Kerrville in hope of finding his brother alive, Stephen recounted his initial thoughts of a miracle, only to learn that Mark’s body had been located. “All I’ve been thinking about is just a tragedy that shouldn’t have happened because he was a great man,” he reflected.
Mark Steward was known for his dedication as a home caretaker and was an alumnus of Westlake High School, where he participated in football, track, and choir, graduating in 1979. He is survived by his wife, daughter, stepdaughters, and grandchildren. Stephen expressed a desire for the family to take their time in healing, alongside the broader Kerrville community, as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy.
