Cadaver dog deployed in Sandy Creek Sunday after reports of decomposition odor

Travis County, Texas (KXAN) – Travis County officials said a cadaver dog was out searching near the Sandy Creek Bridge for a body Sunday afternoon after people in the area reported smelling decomposition. 

Hot temperatures on Sunday afternoon prevented the dog from staying out for very long, but the search will continue Monday morning. 

“When we were notified about [the smell], we quickly moved into action and started bringing in resources that could help us determine what that smell was,” said Travis County Spokesperson Hector Nieto. “We’re still trying to determine what that smell is, and we’ll continue with that process tomorrow,” he continued. 

The July 5 floods killed ten people in the Sandy Creek area. Nieto said they have confirmed the identities of all those people.

“The fact that this is being brought up now definitely brings some concern, and so we want to make certain that we’re checking everything and seeing what is there,” he said.

One person from Burnet County is still missing – Chief Michael Phillips.

“That is the Marble Falls fire chief. It is a possibility that this could be [him], but we’re not making any determinations just yet,” Nieto said. “It could also just be the remains of an animal.”

A memorial service was held on July 29 for Phillips. He went missing after attempting a rescue at Cow Creek.