COTULLA, Texas – A third person has died as a result of the flooding in South Texas after floodwaters swept away a vehicle in Val Verde County on July 20, Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday.
The announcement was made in a Friday afternoon news conference at the La Salle County Courthouse.
“Now, there are officially three people whose lives have been lost because of the July floods,” Abbott said.
The death comes as two others have already been confirmed — one in Uvalde and one in Kerr County — as severe weather has devastated areas of South Texas.
The Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office identified the Uvalde victim as 74-year-old Stephen Rolf. Rolf died after floodwaters swept away his vehicle.
Officials said they found the vehicle in floodwaters at the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 North and County Road 400.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office identified 65-year-old John Mark Steward as the other flood victim. Officials said Steward was swept away from the Goat Creek Road area of Kerr County and was later found near Center Point River Road.
Abbott tours Cotulla damage
Abbott visited Cotulla on Friday to survey flood damage firsthand and help serve meals to residents affected by the storms.
The governor said he flew over Cotulla to assess the damage. He has also conducted aerial surveys of several other areas across South Texas.
Abbott said the greater Cotulla area has sustained the most significant flooding he has witnessed.
The Nueces River crested at 29 feet, 3 inches in La Salle County and was sitting at 25 feet as of Friday afternoon, Abbott said. He expects the river to continue declining in the coming days.
Across Texas, Abbott said officials have rescued 530 people since flooding began. In Cotulla alone, at least 48 residences have sustained damage, including at least six with major damage.
As of Friday, significant portions of La Salle County remain flooded and inaccessible, slowing efforts to fully document property damage across the region.
Governor praises La Salle County leaders
The governor also praised local leaders for their early preparation, saying their actions saved lives.
“I want to thank all of the local leaders, the first responders, the volunteers and our fellow Texans for their effective response. What they did truly saved lives,” Abbott said.
Officials knocked on residents’ doors 10 days before the floods arrived, urging them to either evacuate or prepare for rising waters.
“The work is beginning with regard to fixing this region and getting it rebuilt and put back together,” Abbott said.
The American Red Cross is currently providing meals to residents in Cotulla as recovery efforts continue.