As the sun rose over Central Texas this July 4th weekend, what should have been a time of celebration turned into a scene of unimaginable heartbreak. Catastrophic floods swept through the Guadalupe River region, leaving devastation in their wake and forever changing the lives of hundreds of families. Among those affected is Texas country music legend Pat Green, who revealed that his own family is now mourning alongside so many others.

A Community Shattered by Tragedy

The news out of Central Texas is nothing short of devastating. Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to overflow its banks, sending deadly flash floods surging through towns, camps, and neighborhoods. One of the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls Christian summer camp that, for generations, has been a place of laughter, learning, and lifelong memories.

This weekend, however, the camp became the epicenter of tragedy. Authorities have confirmed over 100 lives lost in the flooding, including 27 campers and staff from Camp Mystic. Rescue teams continue to search for dozens more who remain missing, as families and friends hold onto hope in the face of overwhelming loss.

Pat Green’s Heartfelt Statement

In the midst of this tragedy, Pat Green—a name synonymous with Texas country music—shared a deeply personal announcement on social media. “Over the weekend, during the devastating flooding that hit central Texas, my family, like so many others, suffered a heartbreaking and deeply personal loss,” Green wrote. “We are grieving alongside countless Texans whose lives have been upended by this tragedy. Right now, we kindly ask for privacy and space as we mourn, support each other, and begin to process what comes next for our family. Thank you for your love, prayers, and compassion.”

Green’s words echo the pain felt across Texas and beyond. In times of such sorrow, the only fitting response is to offer thoughts, prayers, and support to all those affected.

Stories of Courage in the Face of Disaster

Even in the darkest moments, stories of courage and resilience shine through. One such story comes from Camp Mystic, where Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskin became an unexpected hero. Ruskin, dispatched with his crew from Air Station Corpus Christi early Friday morning, faced some of the worst flying conditions imaginable. What should have been a routine one-hour flight stretched into a harrowing seven or eight hours as the rescue team battled severe weather to reach the camp.

When Ruskin finally landed at Camp Mystic, he found chaos and fear. “I got on scene, boots on the ground at Camp Mystic. Kind of discovered I was the only person there as far as first responders go. I had about 200 kids, mostly all scared, terrified, cold, and having probably the worst day of their life,” he recalled in an interview on Good Morning America. “I just needed to triage them, get them to a higher level of care, and get them off the flood zone.”

Through his quick thinking and calm under pressure, Ruskin is credited with saving more than 160 children from the rising waters. Remarkably, this was his very first rescue mission as a Coast Guard swimmer. “I’ve been a rescue swimmer for about a year, fully trained for about six months. This was my first experience, but I really kind of relied on the training we get. Any of the rescue swimmers in the Coast Guard would have done the exact same, if not better than me,” Ruskin said, his humility as inspiring as his heroism.

The Road to Recovery

As Texas mourns, the focus now turns to recovery and rebuilding. Search and rescue operations continue, and the American Red Cross and other organizations are mobilizing to provide relief. Volunteers from across the state have arrived to offer food, shelter, and comfort to survivors.

Local officials urge anyone able to donate blood, supplies, or funds to support the ongoing efforts. Links to reputable charities, including the American Red Cross, are being widely shared on social media and news outlets.

A State United in Grief and Hope

Texas is no stranger to adversity, and its people have always responded to disaster with resilience and compassion. In the wake of these floods, communities are coming together—not just to mourn, but to help each other heal. Churches, schools, and local businesses have opened their doors to those displaced by the floods, providing shelter, meals, and a shoulder to lean on.

For families like Pat Green’s, the path ahead will be long and difficult. But they are not alone. Across Texas and the nation, prayers and support are pouring in. Messages of condolence from fans, fellow musicians, and public officials fill social media, a testament to the deep bonds that unite the Lone Star State.

How to Help

If you’re looking for ways to support the victims and families affected by the Central Texas floods, consider donating to the American Red Cross or local relief organizations. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in helping families rebuild their lives.

A Final Word

In moments like these, words often fail to capture the depth of loss and the strength required to endure it. As Pat Green and so many others grieve, let us remember the lives lost and honor the heroes—like Scott Ruskin—who risked everything to save others. Let us also remember that, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the spirit of Texas endures: strong, compassionate, and unbreakable.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected by this horrific disaster.