Country singer Pat Green—the voice behind the University of Iowa’s “Wave on Wave”—has tragically lost multiple family members in the July 4 flash floods in Central Texas. His younger brother (John Burgess), sister-in-law (Julia), and their two young sons were staying in an RV near the Guadalupe River in Kerrville when the flood surge struck. According to his wife’s Instagram post and Pat’s own public statement, they were swept away and later confirmed dead; the two boys remain missing
As of now, at least 118 people have died across Central Texas and more than 180 are still missing—many in Kerr County, where these flash floods hit hardest.
Pat Green has postponed upcoming concerts and asked for privacy as he and his family mourn.
- “Wave on Wave” is played during the iconic “Wave” tradition at Iowa home football games—making Pat Green not just a national country star, but a memorable part of Iowa’s sports culture.
- This tragedy highlights the increasing severity of weather events, possibly linked to climate change—the extra rainfall hit swiftly and viciously.
- It underscores the urgent need for improved warning systems in flash-flood–prone areas like Kerr County, which lacked sufficient alerts despite prior warnings.
How you can help
If you’re compelled to act, consider donating to reputable organizations responding to the Texas floods:
- World Central Kitchen
- Samaritan’s Purse
- Local Kerr County relief funds
They’re mobilizing to support rescue, recovery, and aid for displaced families.
