Dad's Final Voicemails During Texas Floods Revealed
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
As floodwaters rose in Kerrville, Texas, Jeff Ramsey left final voicemails for his children from his camper before he and his wife died.
Jeff Ramsey, 61, and his wife, Tanya Ramsey, 46, died in the catastrophic flash floods that have killed more than 100 people, including dozens of children who were at a summer camp.
His son, Jake Ramsey, told ABC News Live he and his sister "woke up to the worst voicemail you could possibly imagine getting on a 4th of July morning."
The Context
Texas was devastated by flash floods Fourth of July weekend, with much of the flooding happening near San Antonio while people slept. At least 119 people have been killed and 173 people are believed to be missing, according to officials on Wednesday morning. The flooding has marked one of the deadliest U.S. disaster involving children in decades.
Vehicles sit submerged as a search and rescue worker looks through debris for any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding on July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.
Vehicles sit submerged as a search and rescue worker looks through debris for any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding on July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.What To Know
The voicemails were "just my dad telling us he loves us. ...He pretty much said, 'I think this is it,' " Jake said, according to the report.
His dad and his stepmom had been staying in a camper near a riverbank when floodwaters swelled.
Jeff Ramsey used his final moments to say goodbye to his children and to alert family members nearby of the rising floodwaters, his son said.
He "was always looking out for his family first," Jake said. "He was just all about helping his community, helping veterans. And he just loved his country and loved us more than anything. And so I couldn't have asked for a better dad."
Jake said his dad's efforts saved lives. His stepmom's brother and mother were staying in a cabin just 100 yards away, and they were able to escape after receiving his call.
His dad and stepmom died in the floods, but their puppy, Chloe, was rescued.
"We were ecstatic to hear that Chloe was still alive and to know that she was coming back home," Jake said. "She's just such a huge part of my dad and Tanya's heart, so to have her back here with us, it means the world to us."
The floods were triggered partially by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry. Texas Hill Country, where a large portion of the flooding took place, is often called "flash flood alley." It features steep terrain and sparse vegetation, creating ideal conditions for sudden, fast-rising waters.
Search efforts remain underway to find the missing persons.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social on Saturday: "The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday. Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly. Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"
What Happens Next
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are expected to visit the region on Friday.
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