LIBERTY HILL, TX — The heartbreaking toll of the recent catastrophic flooding in Liberty Hill has grown, as officials have now identified the third victim as Kent Wattinger, a 36-year-old resident of Marble Falls. According to a deeply emotional statement shared by his family on social media, Kent lost his life while saving his wife from the powerful floodwaters that overtook their vehicle.
Kent’s body was recovered by search and rescue crews on Tuesday, July 8, after an extensive multi-day search across the flood-ravaged area.
A Husband, A Hero
In the moments before his death, Kent Wattinger acted selflessly. When their car was caught in the rising waters, he managed to get his wife to safety, sacrificing his own chance to escape the surging current. His family says they will forever remember his courage in the face of unthinkable danger.
“Kent was more than a husband, brother, and son,” one family member wrote. “He was a protector. He gave his life making sure the woman he loved lived. That’s who he was.”
A Devastating Storm
The Liberty Hill area was among the hardest hit during a sudden and intense bout of flash flooding earlier this month, following days of torrential rain that overwhelmed creeks, rivers, and roadways. Entire communities were blindsided by the speed and force of the floodwaters. Emergency crews from across Williamson County and surrounding areas were deployed to assist in rescue and recovery operations.
Remembering Kent Wattinger
Originally from Marble Falls, Kent was known as a warm, grounded man with a sharp wit and an easy laugh. Friends describe him as someone who loved the outdoors, barbecues with family, and weekend fishing trips. He worked hard to build a life rooted in love and generosity — a man who didn’t hesitate to step up when others needed help.
“He would give you the shirt off his back,” a close friend posted online. “And now, we’re grieving the hole he leaves behind.”
Kent leaves behind not only his grieving wife but also a large extended family and countless friends who are struggling to process such a sudden and heroic loss.
Community Support and Next Steps
A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched by friends of the Wattinger family to help cover funeral costs and assist Kent’s wife in the difficult days ahead. The family has expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support they’ve received from neighbors, first responders, and strangers alike.
A Celebration of Life service is expected to be announced in the coming days, where family and friends will gather to honor Kent’s life, bravery, and the love he gave so freely.
As Texas mourns the many lives lost in these historic floods, Kent Wattinger’s sacrifice stands as a powerful reminder of love in its purest form — the kind that protects, even at great cost. His heroism will not be forgotten.