John Burgess, one of the people who died in the Texas floods, was country singer Pat Green’s younger brother. The country singer’s wife, Kori Green, confirmed the devastating loss on social media on July 7.
“We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and concern,” Kori wrote on Instagram. “Pat’s little brother John, his wife, Julia, and two of their children were swept away in the Kerrville flood. We are heartbroken and anxiously waiting for all of them to be found. Thank you for your prayers.”
When the flooding started, John and Julia were staying in an RV camp with their two sons, ages 1 and 5. But their daughter was staying at a nearby camp and is safe, KWTX reported. Lorena Guillen, the owner of the RV camp the family was staying at, told Fox News that John died trying to protect his sons.
“My husband was in the water trying to ask them, ‘Please throw me your baby,’” Lorena said, per the Houston Chronicle. “The man was holding tight to his babies, and he just got swept away.”
The couple’s sons are still missing. On Instagram, Kori also posted a statement from Pat Green. “Over the weekend, during the devastating flooding that hit Central Texas, my family—like so many others—suffered a heartbreaking and deeply personal loss,” Pat’s statement read. “We are grieving alongside countless Texans whose lives have been upended by this tragedy.”
At the end of the statement, Pat asked for privacy and thanked everyone for their “love, prayers, and compassion.”
Later, Pat shared the same statement on his personal Instagram account without a caption. Fans have since reacted to the posts and shared their condolences with Pat and Kori.
“Woke up this morning craving @patgreenmusic and have been listening to you all day,” one fan commented. “Haven’t listened in months. Saw this post tonight. Prayers for healing for your family and the whole community.”
Musician Shane Thornton wrote: “Pat is one of the kindest & big hearted artists I’ve ever worked with. My heart goes out to y’all & the family & friends! 💔 Sending prayers!”
