It’s a scene no parent should ever face. On the banks of the swollen Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, as floodwaters tore through everything in their path, John Burgess – half-brother of country music star Pat Green – held his two young sons close, refusing to let go.
On July 4, 2025, disaster struck during what was supposed to be a joyful family weekend. John and his wife Julia had taken their children to Blue Oak RV Park, hoping to enjoy the holiday while their daughter attended summer camp nearby. But a freak weather system dumped more than 10 inches of rain overnight, turning the gentle Guadalupe into a deadly torrent.
Witnesses say that as the flood consumed the park, John did everything he could.
“He wasn’t running. He wasn’t screaming. He just held onto those boys,” one survivor recounted. “They were swept away together.”
Julia’s body was found hours later, and John’s the next day – still within miles of the RV site. But their children, James (1) and Jack (5), remain missing.
🕯️ A Heroic Final Act
While many flood victims are remembered in numbers, John Burgess is being remembered for the way he died – protecting his children. The moment has since gone viral among local communities, sparking tributes from neighbors, fans of Pat Green, and total strangers.
In a heartfelt message, Pat wrote:
“My brother died a hero. There’s no other word for it. He loved those boys more than life. And he gave his life for them.”
😢 Pat Green’s Public Silence – and Private Grief
Since the tragedy, Pat Green has canceled all upcoming shows and retreated from the public eye. Close friends describe him as “absolutely broken.” Pat, who once sang of Texas rivers and freedom, is now faced with the silence of grief. His wife, Kori, wrote:
“We are shattered. But John’s courage is what we’re holding onto. He was so much more than Pat’s brother. He was our rock.”
🌊 The Flood That Took So Much
The July 2025 Texas floods have claimed over 120 lives and left dozens still unaccounted for, including campers and children. At least 16 RV parks were destroyed completely. Blue Oak RV, where the Burgess family stayed, was submerged within minutes.
The floodwaters rose so fast that even local emergency services were overwhelmed. Officials admitted the region lacked proper flood warning systems.
🎶 The Music Industry Responds
Fellow country stars like Wade Bowen, Cody Johnson, and Miranda Lambert have reached out to Pat in private. A benefit concert is already being discussed to honor the victims and support flood recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, fans have flooded Pat’s social media with messages of support:
“John was a hero. He did what a real cowboy does – protect his family, no matter the cost.”