KERR COUNTY, TEXAS – A growing wall of flowers and photographs honoring the victims of last weekend’s deadly floods has been taking shape in Kerrville over the last 72 hours — a powerful expression of collective grief as locals struggle to come to terms with the immense scale of the tragedy.

While search and rescue operations continue and helicopters buzz overhead, this roadside memorial has become a solemn gathering point for reflection, remembrance and shared sorrow. The photographs put a face to each victim and the flowers represent their lives.

A sign reading “River of Angels” pinned to the rail has given the memorial its unofficial title, a name that gently captures the weight of loss that has transpired here. Kerr County was hit the hardest, with at least 100 deaths and more than 160 still missing. 

A young woman crouches down in front of the memorial in Kerrville, Texas. (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital)

Madison Boner, a local high school student, said Zunker helped her overcome her lack of confidence.

“He was a great teacher. I had him for construction but he also taught robotics and soccer,” Boner said. “He was super encouraging and nice. I was always real shy, so sometimes he would have to make me speak my mind.”

“Like he would say, ‘Hey, can you tell the other students what to do today?’ because he wanted me to find my voice. He wanted the best future for all of his students.”

Boner said Zunker was supposed to teach her for another three years but instead wouldn’t make it to the new school year, like other victims. 

“These people… these are our community. Some kids are gonna go back to school and just have to sit there like, ‘She’s not here.’ It’s heartbreaking. This took people. You can’t reverse it.”

For many, turning to faith brings some comfort.

A woman places flowers on a memorial for the Texas flood victims. (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital)

Bishop Julian Dobbs of the St. Michael and All Angels Church in Kerrville was at the memorial too and said his church has been offering prayer and presence to first responders and victims. He, along with Bishop Marc Steele, encouraged people to gather for worship and to find hope in the power of faith in tragedy. 

“How can you not look at those photographs and realize that every single human being — every life, young and old — is precious and sacred?” Dobbs said. “These were beautiful people, just living their lives, serving one another and in one moment, their lives were snuffed out. Their families changed forever.”

Toys at the memorial for the Texas flood victims. (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital)

Dobbs said that one of his pastors was lucky to get out with his life as his rector was completely destroyed, while other members of the church had a family member who was killed. 

“There are still considerable numbers of people who are yet to be found, who are missing, so this community has changed forever,” Dobbs said. 

“This is a time to gather around what is the focus of the Christian faith — the hope that Jesus brings us — gather to worship Him and receive the support of each other.”