Title: River of Angels
Directed by: Shawn Welling
Narrated by: Lee Majors
Produced by: Michael Berry
PRODUCTION CO. WELLING FILMS
Co-Producers: Kari Short, Wade Cockburn
Mike and Kathy Simmons, Michelle Welling.
COMMENTATOR: MICHAEL BERRY
CHIEF INTERVIEWER: SHAWN WELLING
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
"OUR MISSION"
River of Angels challenges the national narrative by giving voice to the people of Kerr County—letting them tell their own story of loss, resilience, and unity.
"When the river rose, a town rose higher."
"The flood took everything—except their faith in each other."
"A river divided them. A tragedy united them."
Short Synopsis
When historic floods swept through Central Texas on July 4th, families in RVs, campers, and cabins along the Guadalupe River were caught off guard. Survivors, first responders, and everyday heroes came together in the aftermath to share a story of courage, heartbreak, and healing. Directed by Shawn Welling and narrated by Lee Majors, River of Angels challenges the national narrative by giving voice to the people of Kerr County—letting them tell their own story of loss, resilience, and unity.
Overview
From filmmaker Shawn Welling—known for the emotionally resonant Alive: A True Story of Hope and the award-winning The Messenger: 360 Days of Bolivar—comes a cinematic new documentary chronicling the devastating July 2025 Central Texas Floods, with a focus on the camps, Rv PARKS, LOCALS and HOMES along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.
Titled River of Angels, this feature-length documentary is a heartfelt tapestry of testimonies—told by the young, the brave, and those left behind. Welling brings a personal lens to the tragedy, and his deep connection to Kerr County through his wife Michelle, HOME TOWN OF KERVILLE, and her family, who still reside in the area.
OFFICIAL TRAILER v
gainst the backdrop of small-town charm—front porch conversations, high school football games, and the heartbeat of the river—the film explores how tragedy collapses boundaries, revealing a community’s resilience, humanity, and hope.
The STORY
Through the intimate lens of director Shawn Welling—whose ties to Kerr County run deep through his wife Michelle and her family (long time residents of Kerville)—this film becomes more than a record; it is a living memory.
Voices emerge from the floodwaters: a retired corporate trainer who fled her cabin in the dark, fire crews from Ingram, Hunt, and Mountain Home battling against the current, local business owners who became rescue commanders overnight, and grassroots organizers joined by the Cajun Navy and first responders from across the nation. At its heart, seven young women of Camp Mystic and their parents share, in vivid detail, the harrowing events of July 4th—woven together with the enduring history and cherished legacy of the camp they call home.
THE STORY (continued)
Set against the backdrop of Texas summer traditions, RV parks, football fields, and church sanctuaries, River of Angels offers more than a timeline of disaster—it captures the resilience of a community rising together. From teenage heroes and water rescues to impromptu donation centers and acts of grace, the documentary reflects not just what was lost, but what was found in the hearts of its people.
Narrated by Lee Majors, River of Angels is a living memorial to those lost and a tribute to those who stood tall amid the rising waters. while heartbreaking and hopeful, it is a reminder that even when the river takes, the spirit of a community can give back even more.
Narrative Arc
Prologue
Introduction to Kerrville’s spirit and the legacy of Texas summer camps.
Life Before the Storm
Joyful moments at Camp Mystic, community parks, and family gatherings.
Approaching Tragedy
Ominous signs. Rising waters. Familiar tension from those who’ve seen it before.
The Night the River Came
Harrowing testimonies of survival, instinct, and divine timing.
Daylight Aftermath
Search teams, teenage heroes, and stories of courage.
What’s Left, What’s Found
The weight of grief. Acts of grace. Unlikely bonds formed.
Epilogue
The river flows, but everything has changed. Children’s voices, memorials, and a call to remember.
Interview Subjects (as of AUGUST 5, 2025)
The documentary weaves together powerful, firsthand accounts from survivors, first responders, civic leaders, and volunteers—each offering a unique lens into the tragedy and the spirit of the community response. Interview subjects include:
Stephanie Smith – Retired corporate trainer and Hill Country Arts Foundation cabin renter. Narrowly escaped floodwaters with her life.
DIANA BACCEN - FIRE CHIEF Ingram Volunteer Fire Department – On-the-ground first responders during the earliest rescue operations.
LEE POOL - CHIEF OF Hunt Volunteer Fire Department – Key emergency team aiding in evacuations along flooded campgrounds.
Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department – Rural department critical to water rescue and land access.
Fredericksburg Fire Department – Regional responders who provided urgent backup and cross-agency coordination.
Tate Demasco – Ingram ISD Athletic Director and official spokesperson for the City of Ingram during rescue and recovery.
