Police Release ID in San Angelo Flood Death

SAN ANGELO, TX — Police have identified the woman who died during this week’s catastrophic flooding in San Angelo as Tanya Burwick, 62, the first confirmed fatality linked to the historic storm that flooded neighborhoods and swept vehicles off roads.

Police said Burwick was last seen driving on July 4 in an area impacted by rapidly rising water. Her SUV was later found submerged beneath floodwaters, but empty. Emergency crews expanded their search into surrounding areas, working into the evening before suspending operations due to dangerous conditions.

Efforts resumed early July 5, and Burwick’s body was discovered at about 9:15 a.m. several blocks from where her vehicle had been located, according to a statement issued Saturday by the San Angelo Police Department.

“Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Burwick’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the department said. "The San Angelo Police Department stands with the entire community in mourning this tragic loss." 

Officials previously described the area near Bell Street, between Coke and Lowry streets, as a major flood zone where water rose to more than 12 feet at the peak, catching many residents and drivers by surprise.

Police Chief Travis Griffith said earlier that the flooding moved too quickly for many to escape and praised first responders who put themselves at risk searching for missing individuals.

Aside from Burwick’s death, city officials reported only minor, non-life-threatening injuries from the flooding. As of Saturday, no additional missing persons remain unaccounted for, according to police.

The city estimated that more than 12,100 structures have been affected by flooding, and damage assessments continue.

The city released the following statement at about 3 p.m. Saturday, July 5: 

City crews, alongside numerous public safety agencies, are actively working to assess damage from the San Angelo floods. The one reported missing individual was located last night, July 4, and reported deceased. This individual’s name will be released later, but police confirmed she was a 62-year-old female found in her mid-sized SUV. Our hearts go out to this woman and her family and friends.

It is crucial for every person to avoid the heavily affected areas, which are on the east side of town from Loop 306 to the Concho River along Bell Street. Any barricades in place should be respected and left to first responders.

Preliminary estimates show that there are more than 12,100 structures that have been affected by the floods. Structures can include houses, garages, barns, commercial buildings, etc.

For damage on public property from the flood, we encourage citizens to report this at sanangelo.gov/july4 to help our staff identify areas that need to be addressed.

For storm cleanup, residents who are able should place any debris to their curb or street edge if there is not a curb. There are steps that must be followed to receive FEMA reimbursement, so please separate items into the following categories: 1) household hazardous waste, 2) electronics, 3) construction material, 4) appliances, 5) vegetation (branches, brush, etc.) Note that debris pickup will be delayed 7-10 days to allow time for the items to be set out. Crews will be working to assist residents in this process.

For regular trash pickup, expect about a week delay. We encourage residents to leave your bins out so there are no additional delays when Republic is able to make their way to your residence. If your bin is missing, please call 325-657-4323 to get on the replacement cart list. Recycling will be paused for the time being and residents may use their recycling bins to put trash in if needed. If you do not have any bins, please bag your items and leave on your curb or street edge. The landfill is closed until further notice.

Non-monetary donations may be coordinated with United Way and dropped off until 5 p.m. today, July 5, at the Concho Valley Turning Point warehouse, 2400 S Hill. Monetary donations will be greatly appreciated right now and may be made to the San Angelo Area Foundation at saafound.org.

Thank you, on behalf of the City of San Angelo, for every agency and citizen that has stepped up to help this community. We are grateful to live in this wonderful city and appreciate every ounce of help.

Thank you, and stay safe.