Introduction to the Tragedy
The family of a woman who died during flooding in Kerr County has filed a civil lawsuit against the RV park where she was staying when catastrophic floodwaters swept through the region last month. Relatives of Jayda Floyd, 22, filed the suit Tuesday in the 216th judicial district in Kerr County against HTR TX Hill Country Resort, according to a news release.
The Lawsuit Allegations
The family is alleging in its lawsuit that the RV park failed to warn guests of potential flood risks and its managers did not create an evacuation plan. The lawsuit also claims the RV park was aware of the history of major flooding in the area but failed to implement safe infrastructure in the event of catastrophic flooding, or properly train employees to monitor for potential flooding.
Demands for Compensation
The family is seeking over $1 million in emotional and physical damages as well as medical compensation, according to the suit. This significant amount reflects the severity of the loss and the impact on the family’s well-being.
Response from HTR TX Hill Country Resort
A spokesperson with HTR TX Hill Country said that their hearts go out to the family of Jayda Floyd and those who were impacted by the Kerr County floods, but they disagree with the allegations in the lawsuit. “As has been widely acknowledged by state and local authorities, meteorologists, and other experts, no one could have anticipated the unprecedented severity and rapid onset of the flooding,” the spokesperson said. “We reject its fundamental premise and will be prepared to vigorously defend ourselves in court.”
Jayda Floyd’s Story
Floyd was a juvenile probation officer from Odessa and was staying at the resort during the July 4th holiday weekend with her fiancé, Bailey Martin, and his family. Floyd and Martin and his family were awakened by floodwaters knocking against the RV door. Floyd helped Martin’s step-siblings climb to the roof of the RV, saving their lives before she was swept away by floodwaters, according to the family’s lawyers.
Remembering the Victims
Remembering the victims of the Kerr County floods
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Jayda’s Aspirations and Legacy
Floyd was pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at the University of Texas Permian Basin and hoped to help at-risk youth, her family said. “She was someone who was going to make a difference in the lives of people, particularly kids,” David Floyd, her father, said in the release.
The Floods’ Devastating Impact
The floods occurred in the early morning of July 4, and killed 117 people in Kerr County. The family’s attorney, Jon Clark of Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury LLP, told WFAA-TV that 17 of those killed were staying at the RV park. “We will investigate what steps — if any — were taken to monitor conditions and warn guests of the danger they were in," Clark said.
Conclusion
The tragedy that unfolded in Kerr County is a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety measures, especially in areas prone to natural disasters. The lawsuit filed by Jayda Floyd’s family against HTR TX Hill Country Resort highlights the need for accountability and the implementation of effective emergency plans to prevent such devastating losses in the future.
FAQs
Q: What is the basis of the lawsuit filed by Jayda Floyd’s family?
A: The lawsuit alleges that HTR TX Hill Country Resort failed to warn guests of potential flood risks, did not create an evacuation plan, and was aware of the history of major flooding in the area but failed to implement safe infrastructure or train employees properly.
Q: How much compensation is the family seeking?
A: The family is seeking over $1 million in emotional and physical damages as well as medical compensation.
Q: What was Jayda Floyd’s profession and aspiration?
A: Jayda Floyd was a juvenile probation officer and was pursuing a master’s degree in psychology to help at-risk youth.
Q: How many people were killed in the Kerr County floods?
A: The floods killed 117 people in Kerr County, with 17 of those killed staying at the HTR TX Hill Country Resort.
Q: What is the next step in the investigation?
A: The family’s attorney will investigate what steps were taken by the RV park to monitor conditions and warn guests of the danger they were in.
