6-July-2025 - Travis County, TX –- Fire Chief Michael Phillips of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department remains missing after being swept away by floodwaters earlier today while responding to an emergency near Cow Creek.
Chief Phillips was driving an emergency vehicle when he vanished late Saturday morning. While the vehicle was later located, there has been no sign of the Chief. Search efforts are ongoing.
The call he was responding to was related to the same catastrophic storm system that has now claimed the lives of at least 50 people across Texas — including 43 in Kerr County and three in Burnet County. Among the victims are at least 15 children.
Marble Falls, located about 50 miles northwest of Austin along the Colorado River, is one of several Hill Country communities devastated by the historic flooding.
The firefighting community and local residents are rallying in prayer, hoping for a miracle.
Please continue to keep Chief Phillips and all affected families in your thoughts. We will update as search and recovery efforts continue.
