Esther Chung Obituary, Death – Nearly three weeks after devastating flash floods swept through northeast San Antonio, the final victim has now been identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office. The intense flooding, which struck on June 12, overwhelmed dozens of vehicles and swept many into nearby creeks, tragically claiming multiple lives.
The 13th and final victim has been confirmed as 77-year-old Esther Chung. Her body was discovered in the Perrin Beitel area, a central focus during the search and recovery operations. Chung’s identification concludes a heartbreaking chapter for families affected by the flood.
Numerous agencies coordinated during the recovery mission, including the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), and Texas A&M Task Force 1, a federal search-and-rescue team known for responding to large-scale disasters. Their combined efforts were crucial in locating victims and retrieving wrecked vehicles from the creek beds.
Twelve other victims had previously been identified following the flood. Ten of them were also located in the Perrin Beitel search zone. They include:
- Carlos Valdez III, 67
- Martha De La Torre Rangel, 55
- Victor Manuel Macias Castro, 28
- Matthew Angel Tufono, 51
- Christine Gonzales, 29
- Rudy Garza, 61
- Josue Pinadelatorre, 28
- Andrew Sanchez, 60
- Brett Riley, 63
- Stevie Richards, 42
In addition to those found in Perrin Beitel, two other victims were recovered from different parts of the city. Roseann Cobb, 41, was located several miles upstream near Wurzbach Parkway. Another man, Derwin Anderson, was missing from the area near U.S. Highway 90 and Callaghan Road after water levels suddenly rose. His body was found days later in the Leon Creek area, close to Highway 90.
Officials say the disaster unfolded around 5 a.m. when heavy rain from slow-moving storms drenched the city. Many of the victims had been sitting in traffic, halted by a stalled car, when a surge of water rushed in without warning. The powerful floodwaters swept away at least 15 vehicles, some of which were later found mangled or overturned in the Salado Creek bed.
The rainfall was severe and historic. On that day alone, San Antonio International Airport recorded 6.12 inches of rain, marking it as the city’s wettest day in 12 years.
The identification of all 13 victims marks the end of a long and emotional recovery process. This tragic event stands as a powerful reminder of the dangers of flash flooding and the importance of heeding weather warnings, particularly during extreme weather events. Local officials continue to emphasize public safety and emergency preparedness as the region looks to recover and reflect on the loss of life caused by the unexpected and deadly storm.