Who were the flood victims? Memorial service July 20
Victims of the Fourth of July weekend flood, either killed in Burnet County or from the Highland Lakes, include (clockwise from top left) 17-year-old Malaya Hammond of Marble Falls; 57-year-old William Venus of Belton; 22-year-old Preston Prince of Kingsland; and 36-year-old Kent Wattinger (left in photo) of Marble Falls. Photos pulled from social media pages
Burnet County is hosting a memorial service for victims of the Fourth of July weekend flood at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at the YMCA of the Highland Lakes, 1601 U.S. 281 South in Burnet.
Five people were confirmed dead in Burnet County following the flood, and search teams are still looking for Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips, who was swept away while responding to a distress call July 5. Another local victim, a Marble Falls resident, was reportedly killed in Williamson County during the flood.
“(The memorial service is) an opportunity to grieve,” Burnet County Judge Bryan Wilson told DailyTrib.com. “We’ve all been so busy recovering from the disaster, but we’ve needed the time to stop and use this as a touchstone to mourn. These are our people.”
The service is a joint effort with several Highland Lakes churches.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” reads an excerpt from the service flyer, quoting Psalm 34:18.
Chief Phillips has not been confirmed dead, as searchers are still looking for him, but an end of watch was held in his honor Tuesday. He was a 30-year veteran of the Marble Falls Area VFD and worked for the Marble Falls Independent School District for 28 years before retiring.
“He was more than just a friend, mentor, and leader—he was our family,” reads a statement from the VFD after 11 days of searching. “His absence will leave a void in our hearts and our department that cannot be filled. We will honor his legacy and the extraordinary service he gave to our community by continuing to be the first responders he strived for us to be.”
The known dead are:
Malaya Hammond, 17, of Marble Falls—Malaya was reportedly killed the night of July 5 when her family attempted to cross the Cow Creek bridge on RR 1431 east of Marble Falls, which had been washed away by floodwaters. Her family survived. Malaya was homeschooled and worked as a barista at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. She was a devout Christian and a lover of the arts who painted, danced, and sang often, according to her obituary. Multiple accounts of the July 5 incident state that Malaya helped open a door to the family’s vehicle, allowing them to reach safety, before she was swept away.
“Malaya leaves with us a definite legacy of love, kindness, gentleness, and unity with abundant grace and compassion for others, which she embraced and embodied for 17 years,” reads a social media post from One Day Academy, the homeschool group to which she and her family belonged. “Malaya’s soul is at rest, and the torch has been passed.”
Preston Prince, 22, of Kingsland—Prince was killed by rushing floodwaters July 5 near Park Road 4 in Burnet County. He worked as a ranchhand for Ketterman Ranch in central Burnet County.
“He showed up every day with grit, loyalty, and a quiet strength that made a difference in the lives of everyone around him,” reads a social media post from the ranch.
Lee Brizendine, 85, of Burnet—Ernest Lelwin “Lee” Brizendine was killed by floodwaters July 5 at Pafford Place assisted-living facility in Burnet near Hamilton Creek. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and had a passion for repairing clocks, according to his obituary. He is survived by his two children, Phillip Brizendine and Renee Brizendine Yates; grandchildren Kyle Brizendine and Taylor Yates Henson; and great-grandchildren Paisley Brizendine, Caden Brizendine, Beckham Henson, and Adaline Henson.
Walter Reed, 79, of Burnet County—Reed was killed July 5 during flooding at Cedar Stays RV Park near Hamilton Creek, east of Marble Falls, where he lived.
Kent Wattinger, 36, of Marble Falls—The Liberty Hill Independent reported that Wattinger was killed July 5 by floodwaters in Williamson County. He reportedly pushed his wife, Samantha, onto a riverbank as he was pulled away downstream.
“That was Kent—selfless, strong, and devoted to his family,” reads a social media post for a celebration of life service for Wattinger, which is July 26. Because of him, their children will grow up with their mother. His last breath was one of love.”
William Venus, 57, of Belton—Venus was reportedly traveling through Burnet for work July 5 when he was swept away by floodwaters. He was a U.S. Army veteran and delivered medication for a living. His son, William Venus Jr., flew from Maryland to look for his father after the flood.
“He doesn’t think twice about helping people,” reads a quote from an interview with Venus Jr. on NPR. “I’m hoping that’s the situation that happened. If there’s a line of people that are in need of services, he’s going to put himself last. That’s what he’s always done.”