FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys announced on Sunday an official donation of $500,000 following the flash flooding that took place in Texas over this Fourth of July weekend.
At least 50 people are dead while several others, including dozens of girls from a century-old summer camp, are missing. ... all of which is leaving many in Texas and in the United States emotionally devastated.
Among those is Troy Aikman, a proud Texan and a loving father of two daughters who like the rest of us is saddened by the horrible flooding disaster.
Aikman, the Cowboys and Hall of Fame legend, posted a heartfelt message on social media this weekend expressing sorrow and asking for prayers in the wake of the Texas Hill County disaster over this Fourth of July weekend.
"My heart is with the children still missing in the Texas Hill Country—and with those who have been found and heartbreakingly lost. It’s impossible to put that kind of pain into words. I’m praying for the families still waiting, and for strength for those now grieving. Grateful for everyone doing the hard work to bring the rest of these kids home," Aikman wrote.
On Sunday, the team owner Jerry Jones' Cowboys released a statement on the horrific tragedy.
"Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation and loss of life caused by the floods in Kerr County and Texas Hill Country, especially for the young girls and their families, as well as all of those lost and their loved ones," the team announced."This has been devastating to see and we hold everyone impacted in our thoughts and prayers. Standing side by side with The Salvation Army's critical response, we are also donating $500,000 to provide immediate resources for rescue, relief and long term recovery efforts."
Rescuers are continuing their frantic search for dozens more campers, vacationers and residents who are still missing.
President Donald Trump said he and his wife Melania were praying for the victims. "Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best," he said on social media.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a press conference he had asked Trump to sign a disaster declaration, which would unlock federal aid for those affected. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Trump would honor that request.
Officials report that more than 850 people have been rescued so far after the sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches of rain in an area around the Guadalupe River, which drove river waters to rapidly rise to as high as 29 feet.
"We know that the rivers rise, but nobody saw this coming," said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the top local official in the region.
At CowboysCountry.com, our thoughts continue to be with the friends and family members of everyone impacted by the ongoing tragedy.