The death toll continues to climb following the horrific July Fourth tragedy in the Texas Hill Country in which catastrophic flooding occurred along the Guadalupe River which rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes.
Over 100 people died in six counties, including at least 87 in Kerr County. More than a dozen people remain missing, including five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp located in Kerr County, nestled on the South Fork of the Guadalupe River.
As most of us continue watching in horror, one local man is in the thick of it, doing anything and everything he can in an attempt to help recover those still missing.
Brett Foisie of Livingston, the owner of Drone Bros, was called to assist Texas EquuSearch with flood relief and search efforts in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“The devastation is overwhelming. The power of the river is undeniable,” Foisie said upon arriving in Kerr County on Monday. “You can trace the destruction, see the path it carved, and feel the force that tore through this area. Homes gone. Lives upended.
“Please keep these families and this community in your prayers. So many are still missing or displaced, and the recovery journey is just beginning. Crews are working with heavy equipment, moving and searching through debris piles. Please keep all responders and volunteers in your thoughts and prayers – but most importantly, pray for the families affected.
“Today has been heavy,” Foisie reported Monday night. “In my opinion, there’s simply not enough heavy equipment being utilized in the search. I feel like they need 1,000 excavators. The debris piles caused by the river’s force reach 20-plus feet high, with massive trees downed and entangled, making the terrain extremely difficult and dangerous to navigate. I would say if you have the equipment and some manpower, get with the local officials there and offer your assistance.
“It’s heartbreaking to see what’s left behind – pieces of homes, vehicles, toys, clothing – fragments of lives scattered and shattered. This isn’t just debris, it’s memories.
“Still, amidst the devastation, we witnessed something truly powerful – people showing up. Volunteers, local businesses, mom and pop shops, and even larger corporations – all donating time, equipment, and manpower in the hope of bringing someone’s loved one home. That’s what this is about.”
A helicopter conducting emergency operations in Kerrville was forced to make an emergency landing after being struck by a private drone on Monday afternoon. The drone was being flown illegally in restricted airspace, leading to a critical piece of emergency response equipment being taken out of service. The identity of the drone operator is currently unknown, and it is unclear if charges will be filed against them.
Foisie cleared up some confusion regarding the incident.
“That was not Drone Bros. We were not flying in the TFR (temporary flight restriction) zone. We always follow FAA regulations and local guidelines. In fact, we spent the majority of our day on foot – boots on the ground – crossing flooded areas, downed trees, and searching through debris side by side with Texas EquuSearch, an organization we’re a part of. We’re not here for views or clickbait. We’re here to help. If we’re asked to fly, we fly. If we’re told to walk, we walk. If we’re asked to operate equipment, we’ll do that too. This is not about recognition – it’s about doing what’s right.”
Foisie provided a brief update Tuesday morning.
“We continue search and recovery efforts alongside volunteers and local teams. Every bit of help matters. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. To those affected – we see you, we mourn with you, and we’re here for you,” he said.
