Sheriff outlines recovery efforts as 75 bodies found in Kerr County disaster

In a critical emergency session on July 7, 2025, Kerr County officials addressed the ongoing search and rescue operations following a devastating incident that has claimed numerous lives. Sheriff’s Department representatives reported that as of this morning, 75 deceased individuals have been recovered, including 48 adults and 27 children, with efforts still underway to identify 15 adults and 9 children. Additionally, 10 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for.

Sheriff's officials emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among local, state, and national first responders, with over 100 trained personnel actively engaged in the emergency response. The sheriff urged the public to refrain from visiting affected areas, particularly Highway 39 west of Ingram Loop, to allow emergency vehicles to operate without obstruction. “We don’t need people stopping to look; we need to focus on the recovery,” he stated.

The meeting also highlighted the challenges faced by first responders, including dealing with false reports of flooding that diverted resources and delayed operations. The sheriff reiterated the need for volunteers but stressed that their involvement should not hinder the ongoing recovery efforts. “Let us do our job,” he urged, as the focus remains on locating and identifying victims.

As the situation evolves, officials are committed to providing regular updates to the media and the public, with briefings scheduled twice daily. The court is also evaluating requests to close additional roads to ensure safety and facilitate the ongoing operations. The community's cooperation is vital as recovery efforts continue in the wake of this tragic event.