Following the massive flooding of the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025, the Romero family, originally from San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, was swept away by the current while on vacation near Kerrville, Texas.
On Friday, July 12, the bodies of Leonardo Romero and Natalia Venzor, parents of two children, were confirmed. The youngest, Carlos, only 2 years old, was also found dead between July 15 and 16, while his eldest son, Leo Romero Jr., 19 years old, is the only survivor.
Chronology of the discovery of the Romero-Venzor family
July 4: torrential rains raised the level of the Guadalupe River almost 8 meters in 45 minutes, causing flash flooding in Kerrville and surrounding areas.
July 5: Leo Jr. was found alive after more than four hours trapped in the rubble. He was transported to Peterson Regional Medical Center, where he remains in recovery. .
July 12: the discovery of the bodies of Leonardo Romero and Natalia Venzor, found hugging and holding hands, was confirmed.
July 15-16: the authorities reported the discovery of Carlos’ body, in an emotional message with phrases such as: “God is great, we have found Carlos and at last the three of you will be together… you will have a place to rest in peace”.
Context of flooding in the Texas Hill Country
Extreme rains linked to the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry caused the deadliest flooding in T exas since 1976, with at least 135 deaths and some 170 people missing, according to records.
In Kerrville and Hill Country, more than 2,000 volunteers – including rescue teams from Mexico – worked tirelessly to locate the victims.
Repercussions for the Hispanic community
Migration and vulnerability: migrant families, such as the Romero-Venzor family, are exposed to high climate risks in rural areas without adequate safety nets.
Community response: initiatives such as GoFundMe raised funds to support Leo Jr. and to repatriate the family; more than $20,000 was raised for the young immigrant. .
Call for preparedness and prevention: this tragedy highlights the need for early warnings, emergency systems and education on how to respond to flash floods.
La tragedia de la familia Romero Venzor se suma a las de muchas otras que fueron marcadas por las consecuencias que dejaron las inundaciones en Texas
Fundraising on GoFundMe
Buzzy
The story of the Romero-Venzor family is a painful reflection of how extreme flooding disproportionately impacts migrant communities.
As Leo Jr. cherishes his life with gratitude, the U.S. Hispanic community unites in solidarity, fundraising and calls to strengthen disaster prevention and response.
In a GoFundMe account, family members wrote: The morning of July 4 became our worst nightmare when the house of my sister Natalia Venzor and my little nephew Carlos Romero, just one year old, was swept away by floodwaters, leaving only the outside stairs.
Natalia was a kind soul, always working hard to help our parents with expenses, while also providing for her son.
Little Carlos, at only one year old, was already talking a lot and was beginning to show a cheerful and bubbly personality. He loved to stay with his Gigi and grandfather while Natalia worked.
Although things are already difficult with the current economic situation, no one was prepared for something like this, and the costs are affecting us enormously.
We hope to be able to raise enough to give my sister and Carlos the dignified farewell they deserve.
