San Antonio Flood Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 12 as Search for Missing Continues
San Antonio, TX – A wave of grief has washed over San Antonio as the city reels from one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent memory. Officials confirmed on Saturday that the death toll has risen to 12 following devastating flash flooding on the city’s Northeast Side, caused by record-breaking rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems and caused multiple creeks to breach their banks.
The catastrophic flooding occurred Thursday, triggered by an intense and sudden downpour that dumped over a foot of rain in just hours—a volume not seen in more than a decade. This unprecedented weather event caused Perrin Beitel Creek, Salado Creek, and Leon Creek to overflow, unleashing torrents of water that swept away vehicles and left entire neighborhoods submerged.
Victims Identified
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has now publicly identified seven of the 12 victims, all of whom were found in the Northeast Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel Road area, where floodwaters surged with deadly force.
The victims include:
- Martha De La Torre Rangel, 55
- Victor Macias Castro, 28
- Matthew Tufono, 51
- Christine Gonzales, 29
- Rudy Garza, 61
- Josue Pinadelatorre, 28
- Andrew Sanchez, 60
Authorities say all of these individuals were swept away in their vehicles as floodwaters surged over roadways, catching drivers off guard and giving little to no time to escape. Some victims were discovered trapped in their cars, while others were recovered downstream by rescue divers.
“We believe the victims were simply trying to get to safety or return home,” said Joe Arrington, spokesman for the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD). “Unfortunately, the waters rose so quickly that they were overtaken in a matter of seconds.”
Search and Rescue Operations Continue
Even as officials worked to identify those who lost their lives, search operations remain active, particularly in the flood-ravaged areas near Perrin Beitel and along U.S. 90 and Callaghan Road on the city’s West Side. SAFD crews are using boats, sonar equipment, and search dogs in the ongoing effort to locate several individuals still reported missing, including a child under the age of six, whose disappearance has captured public concern and heartbreak.
Emergency responders, supported by Texas Task Force 1 and other regional search teams, have been combing through murky waters, wooded creek beds, and flooded tunnels since Thursday. The SAFD continues to urge residents to avoid affected areas and to report any signs of missing persons or stranded vehicles.
Community in Shock
The devastation has left San Antonio residents stunned and mourning. Vigils are being planned across the city, and makeshift memorials have begun to appear near the Perrin Beitel floodplain. For many, this tragedy has reopened wounds from past flood events and reignited concerns about infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how vulnerable we are to nature’s fury,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg during a Saturday press briefing. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those lost, and we remain committed to finding the missing and supporting those affected by this disaster.”
Record Rainfall and Infrastructure Overload
The storm that swept through the region brought what meteorologists described as a 12-year record rainfall, overwhelming the city’s stormwater infrastructure. According to the National Weather Service, over 12 inches of rain fell in certain neighborhoods within hours, overwhelming storm drains and natural waterways.
“San Antonio is no stranger to flooding, but this event exceeded even the worst-case planning scenarios,” noted NWS meteorologist Amber James. “This was a perfect storm of intensity, timing, and terrain.”
City officials have since issued renewed warnings to residents to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”—a slogan aimed at preventing motorists from attempting to drive through flooded roads.
What’s Next
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office continues the painstaking work of confirming identities and notifying next of kin. Additional updates are expected in the coming days as search and recovery efforts persist.
Meanwhile, emergency shelters remain open across San Antonio, providing displaced residents with food, clothing, and temporary housing. FEMA and local disaster relief organizations have also deployed to assist in the response and recovery phase.
The full impact of this disaster may take weeks or months to understand. But for now, San Antonio grieves.
If you or someone you know is searching for a missing loved one in connection with the floods, please contact the San Antonio Emergency Operations Center at (210) 207-8200.
In memory of the lives lost—may they rest in peace, and may their families find strength during this time of unimaginable sorrow.
