Police Officer Bailey Martin Dies in Texas Floods What Was Found Near His Body

Odessa Police Officer Bailey Martin died when floodwaters in Kerr County swept away the RV he was traveling in. The Odessa Police Department confirmed his death on July 8 after his body was found in Travis County, with a personal item nearby, adding emotional weight to a disaster that has claimed multiple lives and left the country in mourning.

Officer Martin disappeared while traveling with his family in Kerr County after the Guadalupe River overtook the area. His remains were recovered miles away, and authorities discovered his Bible close by.

As Journalist Nick Bradshaw shared on social media, “His Bible with his name sketched in was found near his body after the RV he was in swept away by floodwaters while on vacation In [sic] Kerr County.”

The Odessa Police Department publicly acknowledged Martin’s death through an official Facebook post, sharing that a representative had traveled to Travis County to remain with Martin’s body.

In honor of his memory, other officers have placed mourning bands over their badges, and the department’s flags were lowered to half-staff. Additionally, residents were encouraged to honor his memory by replacing porch lights with blue bulbs throughout the week.