The Kerrville Police Department announced it will release the 911 calls from the catastrophic July 4 floods in the Hill Country.
“These 911 calls are being released in their entirety, without redaction, in order to comply with Freedom of Information Act requests,” the department said in a news release Thursday afternoon.
It’s unclear when the records will be released.
According to the department, eight media outlets completed open records requests for the release of the calls, including KSAT 12.
“The recordings contain disturbing content, which our community, employees, and family and friends of loved ones lost may find highly distressing,” the department said. “Listener and audience discretion is advised.”
The department said each call was reviewed “in regard to caller privacy and legal compliance.”
“The Kerrville Police Department continues to hold the families, loved ones and friends of those lost on July 4th close to our hearts,” the department said. “If you or someone you know needs support, please remember that resources are available.”
More than 100 people died in Kerr County during the floods, including 25 children and two counselors from Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp along the Guadalupe River. Two people remain missing.
Officials share mental health resources ahead of release
The City of Kerrville released the following statement on Facebook after the department’s announcement:
“To our Kerrville community—and to the families and friends of those affected by the July 4th flooding—we continue to stand with you. Today presents another moment to reaffirm who we are: a united, resilient community determined to recover and rebuild. Kerrville Strong.
“We know the release of the unredacted 911 audio calls will bring up strong emotions once shared by media outlets who requested the files through the Freedom of Information Act. Our role throughout this process has been to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with the law.
“If you or someone you know needs support, please remember that local resources are available — find out more at www.kerrtogether.com.
“Reaching out to talk with someone can make a meaningful difference—and no one in our Hill Country community has to face these moments alone.”
The Ingram Independent School District posted the following statement on Thursday afternoon:
“It has been announced that the 9-1-1 calls from July 4 are expected to be released today. We encourage you to be mindful of what your children may see or hear as this information becomes public. These recordings and the coverage that follows may be difficult for everyone, and especially for students who are still processing the events of this summer.
“Please keep an eye on their media access, check in often, and be ready for conversations if emotions or memories resurface. And remember—no one has to navigate this alone.
“Our campus counselors, along with local mental-health resources, are here to support you and your family. The local MHDD office is available Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays by appointment at 830-955-1745. TCHATT services are also available; reach out to your child’s school counselor for more information or a referral.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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