Texas Songwriter Julia Hatfield Survives Devastating Kerrville Flood

Texas/Americana singer/songwriter Julia Hatfield saw the worst of the flood on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville,TX, but is thankful to be living to tell her story. Unfortunately, now at least 80 people are confirmed dead in Kerr County and throughout Central Texas with scores more still missing, and torrential rains still affecting the area well over 48 hours after the initial flooding.

Julia Hatfield was the New Female Vocalist of the Year winner at the 2018 Texas Regional Radio Awards. She was staying with her husband at the Blue Oak RV Park behind Howdy’s Restaurant in Kerrville, right on the banks of the Guadalupe when the flood hit. She recalled on Instagram,

My husband woke me at 4:35am and 15 minutes later our RV was under water. We witnessed a young boy screaming as the waters rushed him downstream. It was the most helpless I’ve ever felt. I yelled out to the first responders, but the current was too fast. It was all I could do not to vomit. The sound of people screaming in the dark as trees and RVs crumbled into pieces is on repeat in my head.

We’re devastated about losing our home and belongings, but we made it out. There were many around us who didn’t. The only feeling I can describe it as is helplessness. I’d give 100 RVs to know that little boy made it. There are so many children missing. Many of them were at summer camp up river.

Daylight revealed the worst. Choppers were flying overhead getting survivors out of trees. It wasn’t even recognizable. It all happened so fast. Everyone’s home was gone. Please pray for the missing, their families, and the first responders. I can’t imagine what the families are going through. It was the most horrific thing I’ve ever seen.

According to fellow Texas music artist Nate Burham, a young boy who was washed away from an RV Park was found downstream in a pile of debris. He had a broken leg, but otherwise was okay. It’s believed to be the same boy Julia Hatfield heard calling out. Howdy’s—which hosts music too—was also damaged slightly in the flooding, “but overall we are good and very blessed.”

Julia Hatfield gave an update late on the 4th of July,

We found the bottom of the RV. It provided closure, but in contrast to the devastation, it was a small loss. It didn’t really seem to matter.

Talked to so many today who were searching for family members and friends. One of our neighbors was searching for his parents who were staying at the park next door. He said by the time he got outside, their place had already washed away.

Spoke with a man searching for his sister and her family. They found their truck, but the camper was gone. He spoke with a tremble in his voice and tears in his eyes. Talked with another man searching for his best friend from work as we stood next to the missing person’s truck sideways in a pile of debris. They had found his dog who hadn’t made it, but there was still no sign of him. It’s absolute devastation.

Thank y’all for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. We feel those prayers. At this point, it’s all about how we can help. The community is showing up in a major way and although the circumstances are tragic, seeing people show up to help their fellow man is healing.

Musician Possessed By Paul James who is a Kerrville resident has also confirmed that he and his family are all okay, and were not affected by the flood. However, their community is devastated, with people they know.

“Please pray, please share your donations, please don’t lose hope in a world that keeps beating us down and taking away friends that provide our community with such brilliance and love,” he says. He is encouraging people to donate to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

Numerous other Central Texas musicians are organizing donation drives and benefit concerts. Rich O’Toole is organizing a benefit concert for Tuesday, July 8th at The Saloon in Fredericksburg, TX at 7:00 PM.

Josh Weathers will be doing a Live Stream Concert and Auction at 7:00 PM Monday evening where he will be auctioning off new zero turn lawnmowers, custom boots, a weekend at Hotel Turkey, and 4 Day passes to the Caveman Festival among other items.

More benefits and concerts are in the works. Saving Country Music will continue to highlight them as they are announced. If you know of other benefits, please leave the information in the comments section below.