Abilene couple missing in Texas flood; relief efforts begin

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Following the devastating flooding in Central Texas, several Big Country organizations are stepping up to help those affected. Tragically, the disaster has also impacted our own community, with the death of an Abilene woman and an Abilene couple still unaccounted for.

Family members have confirmed that 72-year-old Holly Frizzell, an Abilene resident, was found dead Saturday morning. Her body was recovered downstream from the cabin where she had been staying. Frizzell was a graduate of Cooper High School and later attended Texas Tech University.

Meanwhile, Dallas-area media outlets are reporting that another Abilene couple remains missing after their cabin was swept away by rapidly rising waters Friday morning. The search continues for 67-year-old Robert Leroy Brake and his wife, 66-year-old Joni Kay Brake.

Local Relief Efforts

F5 Plumbing in Tuscola closed its door Friday to drive down to San Angelo to provide relief efforts. They brought animal food, crates, blankets, toilets, and more to those affected. On Sunday, they shared online that search and rescue efforts would continue throughout the day and night.

On Sunday, the Jim Ned Volunteer Fire Department held its own drive outside Lowe’s Supermarket in Tuscola to collect supplies for families impacted by the floods. They raised more than $1,800 and sent a full trailer of supplies on Sunday, thanks to the support of the community and Dyess AFB.

They will host at least two more donation drop-off events at the fire station, located at 738 Buffalo Gap Road in Tuscola.

Donation Drop-off Hours:

• Tuesday, July 8th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 12th, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

The Buffalo Gap Volunteer Fire Department is also hosting a flood relief drive on Monday, July 7. This will take place at The Bull Pen Sports Bar, located at 602 Houston Street in Buffalo Gap.

Abilene Precision Moving is organizing a donation drive to support flood victims. Crews plan to deliver supplies to Kerrville on Saturday, July 12. They are asking for the following items:

• Baby & Child Essentials
  • Diapers (especially sizes 3-5)
  • Baby wipes
  • Formula (ready-to-feed is best)
  • Bottles and nipples
  • Baby food pouches
  • Pacifiers and small comfort toys
  • Children’s OTC meds (infant Tylenol, gripe water, diaper rash cream)
• Clothing & Warmth
  • New socks (all sizes)
  • New underwear (men, women, children- only accepting new, not used)
  • Lightweight hoodies or fleece blankets
  • Flip flops or slip-on shoes (for showers/shelter use)
  • Ponchos or rain jackets
• Food & Nutrition
  • Ready-to-eat snacks (granola bars, nuts, trail mix)
  • Shelf-stable meals
  • Baby/toddler snacks
  • Electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade powder or Pedialyte)
  • Cases of water
• Comfort Items
  • (New)Pillows, blankets, and sleeping pads
  • Noise-canceling earplugs or eye masks
  • Stuffed animals (new)
• Mobility & Convenience
  • Tote bags or drawstring backpacks
  • Flashlights + batteries (or solar/crank flashlights)
  • Phone charging cables + portable battery packs
  • Travel-size tissues
  • Ziplock bags (for storing small items)
  • Paper towels
  • Paper plates
  • Plastic utensils

Donation Drop-off Locations & Hours:

• Steamboat Mountain Water Supply (429 Graham St, Tuscola): Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• 4025 Sierra Sunset: Monday–Friday, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Helping Wildlife Too

The Big Country Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is partnering with Heartstrings Wildlife Rehabilitation II in San Angelo to care for displaced or injured wildlife. They expect to receive raccoons, ground squirrels, opossums, and more.

They’re asking for donations to support the increased animal intake, including:

• Puppy pee pads
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Folding metal dog kennels
• Monetary donations

Abilene’s Gentle Rescuers Organization (AGRO) is also heading to Kerrville this week to lend a hand where they can. They will collect donations over the next couple of days, taking some to Kerrville Pets Alive to distribute to various organizations.

Monetary Contributions

Those who wish to help financially can donate directly to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Flood Relief Fund and the San Angelo Area Foundation, which supports impacted families across the region.