Country musician Pat Green announced on Monday, July 7, that his brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews were swept away by the severe flooding in Central Texas, which has resulted in over 110 fatalities across the area. The floods, occurring over the July 4 weekend, have deeply impacted the Texas native as rescue efforts persist.
On July 8, Green communicated the loss of his family members via a heartfelt social media post. Green stated that his family “suffered a heartbreaking and deeply personal loss” amid the weekend’s flooding in Central Texas. He noted that his family grieved alongside many other Texans affected by the disaster. Green
Pat Green’s wife, Kori Green, detailed the missing family members in her social media statement. She disclosed that Pat Green’s younger brother, John, his wife, Julia, and their two children were swept away in the Kerrville, Texas flood. She conveyed the family’s heartbreak and their anxious wait for updates.
Local sources reported that John Burgess and Julia Anderson Burgess were at Blue Oak RV Park in Kerr County with sons James and Jack when the flood hit. The family was camping in anticipation of collecting their daughter Jenna from a nearby summer camp, which remained unaffected by the flooding, ensuring her safety.
Lorena Guillen, Blue Oak RV Park’s owner, witnessed the events. She described seeing John Burgess clinging to a tree with his sons during the flood. Her husband attempted to assist by urging the family to throw him the children, but John held on until the waters swept them away.
Subsequent reports confirmed the recovery of John and Julia Burgess’ bodies. John’s death was confirmed on July 5, and Julia’s body was found on July 7. The search for their sons, James, 1, and Jack, 5, is ongoing.
The Burgess family resided in Liberty, Texas, near Houston. John was a graduate of China Spring High School, and Julia was a teacher at Liberty Elementary School. Neighbors have left flowers and toys at their home, while the community prays for the missing children.
Pat Green had postponed a scheduled performance in Luckenbach, Texas, due to the severe weather. He announced on July 4 that the show would be moved to August 16 because of the unexpected weather and regional tragedy. The concert was initially planned for about 60 miles from Kerr County.
Flooding in Central Texas began late Thursday night, July 4, creating critical conditions along the Guadalupe River. Water levels rose more than 82 feet in less than an hour, causing severe flash flooding. The Blue Oak RV Park, located behind Howdy’s Restaurant on the Guadalupe River, was severely impacted.
The disaster affected six counties in Central Texas, with Kerr County suffering the most casualties. Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported 161 people missing in Kerr County and about 12 more across other counties. The state’s death toll reached 110 by Tuesday, July 8, including at least 27 children at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp.
Search and rescue operations continue, with Texas EquuSearch using cadaver dogs, boats, and heavy machinery along the Guadalupe River. Founder Tim Miller stated that volunteers have never seen damage as extensive as in this disaster.
President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for the region on Sunday, July 7, approving federal disaster assistance and activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA is currently providing support for emergency response and recovery in the affected areas.
Pat Green, 53, is a prominent figure in Texas country music, known for hits like “Wave on Wave” and “Carry On.” The San Antonio native began his career in Lubbock, Texas, and became a leading artist in the Texas country subgenre during the late 1990s. His 2003 single “Wave on Wave” reached number three on the country charts, earning him an Academy of Country Music nomination for New Artist of the Year in 2004.
