#community-grief

#community-grief

"This was a great loss and it hurts us to have lost a brother who was here for 15 years. We came to fight for the American dream," Jose Diaz said.

The flooding that devastated Central Texas before sunrise on the Fourth of July was the country's deadliest catastrophe for children in recent memory, with at least 135 victims.

"We firmly believe that Francis did not deserve to perish - especially not in the manner he did," the family of Francis Gigliotti said in a statement.

The close-knit Ramos family mourns Jhony and Jesus, who perished in a fireworks explosion, gathering with signs demanding accountability and answers from authorities.

"Sarah and Yaron were stolen from us... We are in shock and heartbroken as we attempt to process this immense tragedy."

"Yesterday, this time 24 hours ago, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the sea was attractive, everything was wonderful. Today, a dark cloud has come over everybody in different ways but especially the families of Emmanuel and Matt."

I would love to make extra money for travel, retirement, my grandkids, my kids. I just can't wait to dig in a little further.

When we first heard the news on Sunday evening, we just couldn't believe it really. We were ringing around to make sure it was actually true.

Mark is a good guy and such a hardworking man. He was always willing to work hard for his family, especially for his daughter. Everyone is devastated.

My sympathies are with the family. I know that John's father, Charlie passed away just before Christmas. It was really a tragedy, it shows the dangers facing those working in the farming business. It was a farming death which is doubly tragic, with the passing of John's father in November.

We are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful boy, Harvey Goose. Our lives are devastated and will never be the same again.

Witness Gary Silva detailed the horrific scene, saying, "Listening to him screaming was the hardest part. All I wanted to do was keep them off him."