A Texas father’s final moments during deadly floods were marked by heartbreaking farewell voicemails to his children. Jeff Ramsey, trapped with his wife in a camper during the sudden floodwaters on July 4th, used his last precious time to tell his son and daughter how much he loved them.
His son Jake described waking up on Independence Day to hear his dad’s voicemail, a message filled with love but also an ominous sense of finality. “I think this is it,” Jeff said, expressing the grim reality as the floodwaters overtook their camper in Kerrville, Texas. The camper was swept away swiftly—26 feet in just 45 minutes—turning a family getaway into a tragic disaster. Jeff’s message to his children conveyed both love and the terrifying situation unfolding around him.
Final Moments and the Last Goodbye
Jeff Ramsey’s farewell calls were among his final acts. He called his son Jake and then his daughter Rachel, leaving voicemails to say goodbye. Jake described the emotional weight of those messages: “He left us both voicemails basically saying, ‘Hey buddy, I love you so much, I think this is it for us. Tell Rache-y, I love her.’” The panic is audible in the voicemails, underscoring the urgency and heartbreak of the moment. Neither Jake nor Rachel plans to listen to those voicemails again due to the pain they carry.
Despite the tragedy, Jeff’s voice provided a final comfort—assuring his children of his love and leaving behind a lasting memory of his courage during an unimaginable disaster.
Community Hero Remembered
Jeff Ramsey was known not just as a devoted father but as a committed community member. His son Jake highlighted that Jeff’s life was defined by service—helping veterans and his community, loving his country, and putting family first. He was 61 years old, and his wife Tanya, 46, was with him in the camper when the floodwaters struck.
While Tanya’s body was recovered and identified days later, Jeff remains missing, a painful uncertainty for his family and friends. The family has expressed deep gratitude for the emergency responders, hailing them as heroes for their tireless efforts in the rescue and recovery operations.
Tragedy Strikes on a Holiday
The tragedy unfolded on the 4th of July, a day typically filled with celebration but turned into a nightmare for the Ramsey family. The couple had been enjoying time in their camper when the flash flood hit, a reminder of how quickly nature can devastate lives.
Jeff’s warning calls not only expressed goodbye but potentially saved others. Jeff managed to warn Tanya’s brother and mother, giving them crucial time to escape the rising waters. This final act of protection reflects Jeff’s character—always thinking of others, even in his last moments.
The story of Jeff Ramsey is a poignant reminder of the human stories behind natural disasters and the enduring power of love in the face of loss.