KERR COUNTY, Texas — Despite the passage of over two months since the catastrophic flooding on July 4th, the search for 8-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward and 63-year-old Jeffery Ramsey remains ongoing. As of Monday, volunteers and specialized rescue teams continue their efforts to locate the missing individuals.
What Happened:
Following the devastating flooding that submerged parts of Kerr County, including areas along the Guadalupe River, rescue and search operations have been underway since July 6th. The United Cajun Navy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit with extensive disaster response experience, led the charge in the search. They have combed through the floodplain with specialized tools, including cadaver dogs, covering both sides of the riverbank. However, despite their exhaustive efforts, many areas remain challenging to fully investigate due to the risk of debris and silt obstructing potential findings.
United Cajun Navy Lead Ryan Logue expressed that they had searched much of the riverbank but noted that sometimes new areas with clues or items would emerge, requiring further attention.
Who Are Cile and Jeffery?
Cecilia “Cile” Steward, 8, and Jeffery Ramsey, 63, were swept away during the flash flooding caused by heavy rain, leaving their families and communities devastated. The search for the pair has continued with the hope that they can be found. While some parts of the floodplain have been cleared, the urgency and challenge of the search remain as volunteers and authorities work relentlessly.
Search Efforts:
With the United Cajun Navy scaling back their operations, a new nonprofit, Lonestar Guardians Disaster Response, has stepped in to continue the search. The nonprofit is focused on diving into the Guadalupe River, with plans to search from Camp Mystic. Logue, who helped found the new group, expressed that the focus will now shift to ensuring every inch of the river is thoroughly explored.
“We’re determined to leave no stone unturned,” Logue said, emphasizing that their efforts will not only focus on finding the missing but also on clearing potential hazards for the community to safely return to the river.
Public and Volunteer Reactions:
The continued efforts of the volunteers have sparked renewed hope within the community, but there remains a level of frustration regarding the limited official information. Local media reached out to Texas Task Force 1 for updates but were met with a refusal to go on record.
While the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) confirmed that search efforts remain active, there has been little transparency on how long the search will continue or any new developments in the investigation.
Official Statements:
A spokesperson for TDEM sent a statement saying that the search efforts remain ongoing but declined further comment on the specifics of the timeline. Earlier in the search, TDEM Chief Nim Kidd confirmed that Governor Abbott had made it clear that the search would not stop until answers are found.
“The search for Cile will continue until we find her,” said Kidd in a previous statement.
What Happens Next:
As Lonestar Guardians continues its mission to locate the missing individuals, additional resources, such as experienced divers, buggies, and drones, are being sought to ensure the search’s success. The ongoing support from local volunteers and organizations is vital to the operation.
Closing Line:
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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