Tyler Walker, a former pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, traveled to Texas over the weekend with his wife and friends in hopes of finding his older brother Mark, step-sister Sarah, and 14-year-old nephew Johnny, who are currently missing.
“We’re just waiting for them to be identified,” said Kathy Walker, the mother of Tyler and Mark, from their home in San Rafael, California.
Tyler and his wife, who played for the Giants from 2004 to 2008, also picked up 16-year-old Ellie, who survived the flood at Waldemar camp, located near the family’s “River House” on the Guadalupe River.
“Right now, it feels like all we can do is hold onto hope and pray. It’s just agonizing waiting to see what happens next,” Kathy added. “They’re searching the river, but the devastation is unbelievable—there’s debris scattered everywhere, including cars and trees.”
While some of Ellie’s friends from camp have been supporting her, Kathy expressed that it still feels inadequate. “She’s been incredibly distraught. We’re just waiting to find out if it’s her dad, her mom, or someone else. It’s terrifying,” Kathy mentioned.
Kathy revealed that she had been in contact with Mark just before the floods hit early on July 4th, but hasn’t heard from him since then.
During a press conference on Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that Mark, Sarah, and Johnny were missing, and their families were deeply concerned.
“His wife and 14-year-old son are missing from Marin County, where they were close to many children, including my own son. It’s a tragic reminder of the devastating impact this disaster continues to have,” Newsom stated cautiously.
Ellie’s camp was separate from Camp Mystic, a women’s summer camp in Kerr County, where at least 27 campers and counselors tragically lost their lives in the flood.
Kathy shared that someone sent her a photo depicting the wreckage of her son’s residence, adding, “It was heartbreaking.”
The situation has prompted several vigils for those affected by the disaster.
Reports indicate that at least 120 fatalities have been confirmed in central Texas due to the flash floods, according to local authorities and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Furthermore, as of Thursday, 170 first responders are still unaccounted for, as reported.
