A Joyful Holiday Trip Turns Tragic for Texas Family Swept Away by Flash Flood
What began as a festive Fourth of July weekend for the Wilson family of Kingwood, Texas, ended in heartbreak when a sudden flash flood along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville swept away their truck camper. The family had traveled to Kerrville for a youth rodeo, but their short getaway took a devastating turn, igniting a statewide search and collective sorrow.
Amber and Jeff Wilson, along with their 12-year-old son Shiloh, had driven to support Shiloh’s rodeo competition at the local expo center. They intended to spend the night in their camper parked near the river, unaware of the rising danger posed by the weather.
On Independence Day, Amber’s brother, John Dustin Ledford, took to Facebook with a desperate plea. The family had stopped responding, and he couldn’t determine where they’d parked the camper. He shared their photo and asked for help. The post rapidly spread across social media, garnering attention and compassion from across Texas and beyond.
A day later, John posted a somber update: Jeff’s body had been located. While official identification was still pending, the family recognized him from photos. Their truck had been retrieved from the flood zone, but the camper had been swept away, and Amber and Shiloh remained missing.
John provided his DNA to assist with identification and worked closely with investigators, urging the public not to send duplicate reports to authorities to avoid hindering the search. He also cautioned against spreading misinformation, asking people to direct any credible leads to him directly.
By July 7, the search had narrowed to a spot roughly 13 miles downstream from the family’s last known location. Some of Shiloh’s belongings were discovered near the riverbanks. Emergency crews, volunteers, and local authorities pressed on, hoping to find Amber and Shiloh.
The loss deeply affected the Kingwood and Humble communities. Jeff Wilson, a respected teacher at Kingwood Park High School, was widely admired for his dedication and positive impact on students. News of his passing sent ripples of grief through the school district.
On July 6, a candlelight vigil was held at Town Center Park in Kingwood. Organized by Humble ISD, it drew hundreds—students, colleagues, friends, and families—who came to mourn and honor Jeff’s legacy. A tribute shared on the district’s Facebook page celebrated his contributions and the many lives he’d touched.
Among those who spoke at the vigil was Jason Wagner, a former student and longtime friend. Jason described meeting Jeff in a 1996 manufacturing class, a bond that blossomed into a close friendship. Jeff stood as best man at Jason’s wedding, and young Shiloh had served as an usher. “We’ve got video of him dancing with my daughter at the reception,” Jason said tearfully. “He wasn’t just a teacher. He was family.”
Despite the sorrow, Jason held onto hope. “I’m still praying Amber and Shiloh will be found,” he said.