Burnet County remembers flood victims, volunteer response
Water from Hamilton Creek completely flooded out Cedar Stays RV Park on RR 1431 just outside of Marble Falls. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Just over one year after rushing floodwaters ripped through the Highland Lakes, Burnet County officials remembered the victims of the devastating July 2025 floods and the dedicated volunteers who came together in response to rebuild the community.
Seven people died in Burnet County over the evening and morning of July 4-5, including Lee Brizendine, Malaya Hammond, Michael Phillips, Preston Prince, Walter Reed, William Venus, and Kent Wattinger.
During a Tuesday, July 14, Burnet County Commissioners Court meeting, commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing those who lost their lives, community members still affected, and individuals and organizations that answered the call in the county’s time of need.
“The commissioners court hereby honors the memory of the victims of the July 5, 2025, floods and expresses its sincere sympathy to all families and individuals affected by this tragedy,” Judge Bryan Wilson said at the meeting. “The Commissioners Court gratefully acknowledges the dedication, professionalism, and selfless service of all first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, governmental agencies, and community members whose efforts contributed to the response and recovery of Burnet County.”
Before commissioners adopted the resolution, Ark of Highland Lakes Executive Director Kevin Naumann spoke briefly about the community-wide efforts in rebuilding what was damaged, both physically and emotionally.
“We’ve seen people rise up all over the country, and come into this area to help and to serve and to give and to love,” Naumann said. “In the midst of disaster, in the midst of tragedy, you always see the best of people show up.”
The Marble Falls-based organization, which was designated as the county’s fiduciary agent in the wake of the flood to handle donations and volunteer work, has been able to assist in 561 flood-related recovery cases using over $1.9 million in stewardship in the last year.
Before taking up the items on its agenda, the court held a brief moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the flood, with Judge Wilson naming each victim individually.
Previous reporting on recovery efforts
- “Burnet considers buyouts for high-flood-risk properties,” Aug. 29, 2025
- “FEMA aid available for remaining flood debris cleanup,” Oct. 21, 2025
- “Burnet removes local state of disaster following July floods; reconstruction efforts continue,” Jan. 28, 2026
- “Burnet County to get flood warning sirens,” Feb. 19, 2026
- “Hamilton Creek playscape reopens as flood recovery progresses,” March 2, 2026
- “Burnet leaders talk flood recovery, bond package at state of the community,” March 5 2026
- “Burnet approves major flood buyout program with NRCS,” April 8, 2026
- “Burnet to participate in flood study, contribute to state flood plan,” April 23, 2026
- “Galloway-Hammond ballfields get post-flood repairs, upgrades,” May 21, 2026
- “ROAD TO RECOVERY: Burnet flood buyouts near,” June 17, 2026
- “ROAD TO RECOVERY: Hamilton Creek dam to get repairs, trails temporarily closed,” July 8, 2026