ODESSA, Texas — An Odessa police officer is among those missing after flash floods swept through parts of Kerr County during the Fourth of July holiday, the Midland Reporter-Telegram reported.
Officer Bailey Martin was visiting the Guadalupe River near Kerrville with family when floodwaters rose rapidly early July 4, the department said in a social media statement. Authorities have not confirmed his status as search efforts continue.
“Please keep all of those who have lost loved ones and who are those still searching for loved ones in your thoughts and prayers,” the department said.
Martin, a native of Odessa, joined the Odessa Police Department as a recruit in its 25th Academy Session in 2022. In a department post at the time, Martin said he aspired to serve the community and hoped to become a detective.
The flooding in Kerrville caused waters to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes before sunrise, washing away homes and vehicles.
The floods have killed at least 89 people throughout the state of Texas, the Associated Press reports. The bodies of 27 children are among those that have been recovered.
Gov. Greg Abbott said that as of July 6, there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing.
Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river, said it is “grieving the loss” of 27 campers and counselors as the search for missing people continues. As of July 7, 10 campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for.
