Country music artist Pat Green announced on Monday, July 7, 2024, that his brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews were among those affected by the severe Central Texas floods, which have resulted in over 110 fatalities across the area. The disaster has had a direct impact on the Texas native as rescue teams persist in their search for survivors following the July 4 incident.
Green communicated the unfortunate news regarding his family through an emotional message shared on social media on July 8. Green stated that his family “suffered a heartbreaking and deeply personal loss” during the weekend’s floods in Central Texas. He mentioned that his family was mourning alongside numerous Texans affected by the event.
The singer’s spouse, Kori Green, provided further information about the missing family members via social media. She disclosed that Pat Green’s younger brother John, his wife Julia, and their two children were caught in the Kerrville, Texas, flood. She noted that the family was devastated and anxiously awaiting the recovery of their loved ones.
Local reports indicate that John Burgess and Julia Anderson Burgess were at the Blue Oak RV Park in Kerr County, Texas, with their sons, James and Jack, when the flood occurred. The family was camping to pick up their daughter Jenna from a nearby summer camp, which was not impacted by the flooding, ensuring her safety.
Lorena Guillen, owner of the Blue Oak RV Park, observed the tragic events. She recounted that John Burgess was seen clinging to a tree with his sons during the flood. Guillen described how her husband attempted to assist by asking the family to pass him the children, but John held on to his sons before the water swept them away.
Local news outlets have confirmed the recovery of John and Julia Burgess’ bodies. John was declared dead on July 5, and Julia’s body was found on July 7. The search for their sons, James, 1, and Jack, 5, continues as they remain unaccounted for.
The Burgess family resided in Liberty, Texas, east of Houston. John graduated from China Spring High School near Waco, Texas, while Julia was employed as a teacher at Liberty Elementary School. Community members have left flowers and toys in front of their home as they continue to hope for the recovery of the missing children.
Pat Green had postponed a concert planned for Saturday night in Luckenbach, Texas, due to the severe weather. On July 4, he announced on Facebook that the event would be rescheduled to August 16, citing the weather and the tragedy affecting the Texas Hill Country. The concert was originally scheduled about 60 miles from Kerr County.
The flooding in Central Texas started late on Thursday, July 4, causing severe conditions along the Guadalupe River. Water levels rose by over 82 feet within an hour, leading to significant flash flooding. The Blue Oak RV Park, located near Howdy’s Restaurant by the Guadalupe River, was among the most severely affected sites.
The disaster has impacted six counties in Central Texas, with Kerr County experiencing the highest number of casualties. Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported that 161 individuals remain missing in Kerr County, with about 12 more missing in other affected counties. The state’s death toll was at 110 as of Tuesday, July 8, including at least 27 children who perished at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp.
Search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas, with Texas EquuSearch conducting efforts along the Guadalupe River using cadaver dogs, boats, and heavy equipment. Tim Miller, the organization’s founder, expressed that volunteers have never witnessed damage as severe as this.
President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for the region on Sunday, July 7, enabling federal disaster aid and activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA is currently assisting with emergency response and recovery efforts throughout the impacted areas.
Pat Green, 53, is renowned in the Texas country music scene, with hits like “Wave on Wave” and “Carry On.” The San Antonio, Texas, native began his career independently in Lubbock, Texas, emerging as a prominent figure in the Texas country subgenre during the late 1990s. His 2003 single “Wave on Wave” reached number three on the country charts, and he was nominated for New Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 2004.
