A family getaway to a youth rodeo turned into a nightmare when flash floods along a Texas river swept away their truck camper, leaving family and friends desperately searching for answers.
Over the July Fourth weekend in 2025, the Wilson family from Kingwood, Texas, vanished during a sudden flood on the Guadalupe River near Kerrville. The tragedy has already claimed several lives statewide, but the Wilsons’ story is among the most heartbreaking: one family member has been found dead, and two others remain missing.
Amber and Jeff Wilson, along with their 12-year-old son, Shiloh, had traveled to Kerrville to attend a youth rodeo at the Youth Expo Center and were camping overnight nearby.
On July 4, Amber’s brother, John Dustin Ledford, turned to Facebook for help after losing contact with the family. He shared photos of them and their camper setup but was unsure which RV park they had chosen.
The post spread rapidly across social media as people shared it widely in hopes of finding them safe.
By the next day, there was a devastating update. John first thanked everyone for sharing and praying for his family. He then confirmed that Jeff’s body had been found and identified through a photo, although official forensic confirmation was still pending at that point.
Amber and Shiloh, however, were still missing. John asked for ongoing prayers and support. Their truck had been found in the floodwaters, but the camper was no longer attached.
On July 6, John provided further updates, mentioning that he had submitted a DNA sample to help authorities confirm identities. He also urged people not to submit additional reports to agencies, as it might interfere with ongoing search efforts.
John cautioned against misinformation circulating on social media and requested that anyone with legitimate information reach out to him directly.
As of July 7, search teams continued combing the river, especially near a spot about 13 miles downstream where some of Shiloh’s belongings were recovered.
John also mentioned that he would share details on how to donate once a proper system was set up to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
He addressed the flood of private messages he had received, asking for patience as he worked through them. He emphasized the importance of staying cautious amid possible scams and intrusive media attention.
The tragedy has deeply affected the communities of Kingwood and Humble. Jeff had been a beloved teacher at Kingwood Park High School in the Humble Independent School District. His passing has left students, coworkers, and community members in shock.
On July 6, the district held a prayer vigil at Town Center Park in Kingwood, attended by many who wanted to honor Jeff’s memory. The district shared a photo from the event on Facebook.
During the vigil, Jason Wagner, a close friend and former student, shared heartfelt stories. He first met Jeff in 1996 as a student in his manufacturing systems class and later considered him family. Jeff was even the best man at Jason’s wedding, and Shiloh participated as an usher and groomsman.
Jason also mentioned how Jeff had danced with his daughter at her wedding, highlighting just how intertwined Jeff had become with his family’s life. He recalled how Jeff had guided countless students over the years and emphasized the immense void his absence would leave. Despite the confirmed loss, Jason continued to hope for Amber and Shiloh’s safe return, saying, “I’m still praying to God that the other two are found alive.”
Other former students also paid tribute, describing Jeff as more than just a teacher. Julian Guerrero, who took Jeff’s advanced auto collision course, shared, “He meant a lot to me, and he’ll be deeply missed. This really hurts.”
As the search continues, the Wilson family’s story has united a community of friends, former students, and strangers alike, all clinging to hope and praying for Amber and Shiloh to be found safe.