San Antonio Flood Tragedy: Medical Examiner Confirms Identities of Victims as Death Toll Rises to Nine
SAN ANTONIO, TX — The city of San Antonio continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating flood that swept through the area on Thursday, June 12, leaving a path of destruction, sorrow, and heartbreak. On Friday afternoon, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office released the names of three individuals confirmed to have died in the flood, as authorities continue search and recovery operations in multiple waterways.
The victims identified are:
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Victor Manual Macias Castro, 28
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Matthew Angel Tufono, 51
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Martha De La Torre Rangel, 55
These names join a growing list of lives lost in one of the most destructive flooding events San Antonio has seen in recent years. Officials also confirmed that another body was located Friday, bringing the total confirmed death toll to nine.
A City in Mourning
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) reported that in addition to the nine confirmed deaths, six individuals remain unaccounted for. Search operations have been ongoing since late Thursday night, focusing primarily on Salado Creek near Perrin Beitel Road and Leon Creek near U.S. Highway 90 and South Callaghan Road — two of the hardest-hit areas.
SAFD officials stated that three of the deceased were found on Friday, though exact details on where their bodies were recovered have not been disclosed. Torrential rainfall overwhelmed parts of the city Thursday afternoon, leading to widespread flash flooding, submerged vehicles, collapsed roads, and dozens of emergency water rescues.
Desperate Search for the Missing
Search and rescue teams are working around the clock, with boats, helicopters, drones, and K-9 units deployed in key flood zones. One of the most active efforts is the ongoing search for a missing driver, whose vehicle was found abandoned near Leon Creek. Crews began searching late Thursday and intensified their efforts Friday morning, but the individual has yet to be located.
“We are throwing every resource we have at these recovery operations,” said a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson. “We remain hopeful but realistic. Our hearts are heavy with each life lost, and we are doing everything we can for the families who are still waiting for answers.”
Rising Waters, Rising Toll
Thursday’s storm dumped several inches of rain across Bexar County in a matter of hours, pushing local creeks and rivers beyond their banks and overwhelming the city’s stormwater systems. Emergency officials described the flood as a “sudden and catastrophic event,” with hundreds of emergency calls fielded within a few short hours.
Residents were rescued from rooftops, stranded vehicles, and homes rapidly filling with water. Power outages, property damage, and blocked roads continue to affect large portions of the city. Many areas remain under a flood watch as more rain is expected in the coming days.
Community Response
As the death toll rises and the full extent of the damage comes into focus, the San Antonio community has begun to mobilize in support of those affected. Local nonprofits, churches, and city agencies have established temporary shelters, food distribution points, and fundraising efforts to support victims and displaced families.
“This is one of the darkest moments we’ve faced as a city,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg during a Friday press conference. “But San Antonio is resilient. We will mourn those we’ve lost, support those in need, and rebuild together.”
Counseling services and grief support groups are also being offered throughout the city to help families cope with the trauma of losing loved ones.
Moving Forward
With six people still missing, officials have asked the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that could aid in search efforts. SAFD is urging residents to stay clear of flood-prone areas, especially near the still-swollen Salado and Leon creeks, as conditions remain dangerous.
The city is expected to release further updates as search efforts continue and damage assessments are finalized.
As San Antonio mourns the lives lost in this unimaginable tragedy, the stories of Victor Manual Macias Castro, Matthew Angel Tufono, Martha De La Torre Rangel, and the others who perished in the floods will not be forgotten. They are a somber reminder of nature’s fury—and the need for unity, compassion, and strength in its wake.