SAN ANTONIO, TX — June 14, 2025 — A sense of grief and devastation hangs heavily over San Antonio as officials confirm that 12 lives have now been lost in one of the city’s deadliest flash flood disasters in recent memory. Relentless rainfall over the past two days turned streets into rivers, overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, and caused rapid flash floods that engulfed homes, stranded motorists, and swept away unsuspecting pedestrians. As rescue operations continue, families across the city are mourning, and the community braces for the possibility that the death toll could rise further.
Confirmed Victims:
- 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
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the identities of seven of the victims so far — each a cherished member of their respective families and neighborhoods.
A Closer Look at the Lives Lost
Martha De La Torre Rangel, 55, was a community advocate, mother, and beloved figure in her local parish. She was swept away by floodwaters near her home on the South Side while attempting to evacuate in her car. Friends recall Martha as a warm, generous woman who led numerous food drives and never missed a Sunday service. Her sudden death has shaken her congregation and the many lives she touched.
Victor Macias Castro, 28, an aspiring chef and recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, died while trying to help a stranded driver near the flooded San Pedro Creek. A native of Laredo, Victor had moved to San Antonio to follow his culinary dreams. His employers at a popular downtown bistro remembered him as “a rising star in the kitchen” and “a heart full of compassion.”
Matthew Tufono, 51, a retired firefighter and a father of three, was found inside his flooded truck along the access road of Loop 1604. A man who had dedicated his career to protecting others, Matthew had reportedly been checking on a neighbor during the storm. He is remembered as a quiet hero who always put service above self, even in retirement.
Christine Gonzales, 29, a beloved elementary school teacher and newlywed, lost her life when her car was overtaken by rising water on her route home from an after-school tutoring session. Christine had only been married for six months. Her husband, Daniel, called her “the light of every room she entered,” and her school community is reeling from the loss of a gifted educator who poured her heart into her students.
Rudy Garza, 61, a retired VIA Metropolitan Transit bus driver, was found near the flood-swollen Salado Creek trail, where he had reportedly gone to help neighbors prepare for potential evacuations. Known for his good humor and unwavering dependability, Rudy had spent over 30 years navigating the city’s bus routes, often brightening the day of regular passengers with a smile and a kind word.
Josue Pinadelatorre, 28, a local hip-hop artist and producer, was caught in the floodwaters while returning from a late-night recording session. Josue, or “JP” as he was known in the local music scene, was a source of inspiration for many young musicians in the city. His family shared that he had been working on his debut album and had dreams of launching a community arts program for underprivileged youth.
Andrew Sanchez, 60, a retired high school history teacher and Vietnam War reenactor, perished in the floodwaters near his home on the East Side. Andrew was known for his storytelling and for bringing history to life for generations of students. Neighbors say he spent his final moments warning others in the area about the rising waters and urging them to seek higher ground.
Search and Rescue Operations Continue
Though the rains have stopped for now, San Antonio remains under a state of emergency as first responders and search teams comb through wreckage and water-logged areas, hoping to find the missing or confirm their whereabouts. The city’s Emergency Operations Center reported that more than 250 rescue calls were made in just 12 hours between Thursday night and Friday morning. Many of these involved people stranded on rooftops, in vehicles, or trapped in fast-moving waters.
Crews equipped with boats, drones, and K-9 units have been deployed to the worst-hit areas, including Leon Creek, Salado Creek, and parts of downtown where water levels surged unexpectedly. Emergency personnel say the saturated ground and continued water flow into already swollen waterways are making search efforts both physically and emotionally challenging.
A Community in Mourning
Mayor Ron Nirenberg, visibly emotional at a Saturday morning press conference, extended condolences to the families of the victims and praised the bravery of emergency workers.
“Our city is grieving,” he said. “The people we lost were part of the soul of San Antonio — parents, teachers, helpers, and dreamers. We are committed to honoring their memory with action, with compassion, and with community.”
The city has opened emergency shelters for the hundreds who were displaced by the flooding. Mental health support and grief counseling are being offered through local agencies, and donations have begun pouring in for affected families.
Faith groups across the region are holding vigils and prayer services. A city-wide candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening at Hemisfair Park, where families and supporters are expected to gather in remembrance of the lives lost.
A Call for Preparedness and Climate Resilience
Experts say this tragedy is part of a worrying trend of more frequent and intense storms in the region, likely worsened by climate change. San Antonio has experienced several major flooding events in the past two decades, but officials acknowledge that this latest disaster underscores the urgent need for upgraded infrastructure, early warning systems, and public awareness programs.
City Manager Erik Walsh confirmed that a full review will be conducted on emergency protocols and flood control systems. “We owe it to the victims and their families to ask hard questions and do better,” Walsh said.
Together in Recovery
Despite the loss and heartbreak, stories of heroism, selflessness, and unity continue to emerge. Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers forming human chains to rescue those in danger, and grassroots volunteer networks working around the clock to distribute food, water, and dry clothing — these moments are reminders of San Antonio’s enduring spirit.
The road to recovery will be long. Streets remain damaged, homes are ruined, and many families are starting over. But as the city comes together in mourning, it also stands united in hope.
Support and Donations
The City of San Antonio has set up a disaster relief fund, and donations can be made through the San Antonio Area Foundation. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up through the local United Way chapter. Those in need of shelter, food, or support are encouraged to call 311 or visit the official city disaster response website.
As one vigil attendee wrote on a memorial cross: “Gone too soon, but never forgotten. San Antonio will carry you in its heart forever.”