Harrowing photos show what's left of volunteer fire chief's vehicle after he was swept away in Texas floods
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A desperate search was under way for a volunteer fire chief who disappeared when floodwaters swept away his emergency vehicle near Cow Creek in Texas Hill Country.

Past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Gary Ludwig, said that Fire Chief Michael Phillips, of the Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department, went missing early Saturday after being swept away by floodwaters while responding to a call near Cow Creek in Travis County, Texas, 50 miles from Austin, Texas. 

“Chief Phillips was driving an emergency vehicle when he went missing late this morning,” Ludwig wrote in a post on Facebook.

“The vehicle has been found; however, the Chief has not been found with the vehicle, or anywhere else as of yet,” he continued.

Fire Chief Michael Phillips's vehicle

Fire Chief Michael Phillips of the Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department went missing early Saturday after being swept away by floodwaters while responding to a call in Cow Creek in Travis County, Texas. (Credit: Cocke County Emergency Management Agency)

Authorities noted that some methods of search—such as horseback or ATV patrols—are currently not viable due to hazardous conditions. Numerous low-water crossings and bridges remain in need of repair before emergency teams can fully access all affected locations.

According to his Facebook profile, Phillips has served as a volunteer fire chief since 1995.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Marble Falls Fire Department and the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office, but did not immediately receive a response. 

On Monday, the White House said at least 91 people were killed in central Texas in flash flooding that began early on the morning of the Fourth of July.

The National Weather Service also issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings on Monday for counties in central Texas.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Will Smith appears on'Bel-Air' series finale in surprise cameo

Will Smith Shocks Fans with Unexpected Cameo in ‘Bel-Air’ Series Finale – A Must-See Moment!

Will Smith has made a nostalgic return to Bel-Air, bringing a delightful…
FILE - Members of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines guard a federal building on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Judge Mandates Termination of Trump’s Directive on California National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to cease its deployment…
Machado's daughter accepts Nobel Peace Prize in Venezuelan opposition leader's absence

María Corina Machado’s Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize on Behalf of Absent Venezuelan Opposition Leader

Since January 9, Machado has remained out of sight, living in seclusion…
Taylor Swift flaunts her legs in plaid mini skirt while out in NY

Taylor Swift Steps Out in New York, Showcasing Chic Plaid Mini Skirt Ensemble

On Wednesday, Taylor Swift turned heads with her chic ensemble as she…
Sheriff: JSO officer arrested, accused of stalking ex-girlfriend

JSO Officer Arrested for Alleged Stalking: Shocking Details Unveiled

In a recent press conference, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters shed light on…
Taylor Swift gives her work family a sneak peek at 'The End of an Era'

Exclusive Inside Look: Taylor Swift Unveils ‘The End of an Era’ to Her Inner Circle

Taylor Swift recently treated her close-knit circle, including family and her dedicated…
Hegseth, Bradley and the Venezuela boat strikes: Who is legally responsible?

Unraveling the Legal Battle: Hegseth, Bradley, and the Venezuela Boat Incident

As scrutiny intensifies over U.S. military actions in the Caribbean targeting alleged…
Woman marries her 70 closest friends in $250k 'sisterhood wedding'

Woman Celebrates Unique ‘Sisterhood Wedding’ with 70 Best Friends and a $250K Budget

When Giovanni, the boyfriend of Karine ‘Kaky’ Daniel González, passed away unexpectedly…