A young officer’s vacation in Central Texas ended in tragedy when powerful floodwaters turned his trip into a fatal disaster.
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. The Odessa Police Department publicly acknowledged Martin’s death through an official Facebook post, sharing that a representative had traveled to Travis County to stay with Martin’s body.
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.”
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.
Martin began his service with OPD in July 2022, but he was even younger when he started training at the academy.
Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke shared, “He came to us young, just 23 years old. He started our academy before he was even legally old enough to be an officer. He turned 21 while he was in the academy, and he’s been with us ever since.”
Gerke also described Martin as dependable, noting, “He was a quiet guy and very conscientious about his work. No complaints, not from citizens or internally. He was the kind of officer that, when you saw him show up, you were thankful — because you knew he was going to help.”
A city profile released earlier this year described Martin as someone who had always wanted to serve the public, finding the greatest reward in helping others, whether through simple conversations or working on serious cases.
Furthermore, in a tribute on social media, the young officer’s mother expressed, “My son accomplished so much in his short time and grew into a man anyone could be proud of.”
On July 8, at Odessa City Hall, the community gathered to honor Martin’s life. Mayor Cal Hendrick spoke about how the loss felt especially shocking, noting that while dangers are expected in the line of duty, no one anticipates such a tragedy during what should have been a peaceful trip.
He added that the flood’s impact was even more profound because it struck someone from within their community. While tragedies across the state are heartbreaking, Hendrick said this one was deeply felt.
Chief Gerke noted how fortunate law enforcement is to have strong community support in West Texas, but urged the public to remember that Martin’s family suffered other losses, and many people are currently waiting for answers. “Others were rescued. There are others still missing. The devastation is unimaginable,” Gerke emphasized.
As officers work through their grief, the department has turned to its internal peer support program to help staff begin the emotional healing process.
Furthermore, Chief Gerke said returning Martin to his family is a step toward allowing those closest to him to express their feelings and begin to cope with the loss.
Odessa officials have asked for privacy on behalf of Martin’s family, who are also mourning other relatives lost in the floods.
Meanwhile, those who knew him continue to share memories and tributes. Among them was Bryan Hale, who wrote on July 8 that the day would stay with him forever.
“Bailey Martin was the model man; he was more than just my best friend, he was the brother I never had. I can’t quit hearing his infectious laugh. I will regret more than anything not seeing you more. I miss him more than words can describe. I love you, brother; rest in peace, you will not be forgotten, Bailey [sic],” he wrote.
As the death toll from this disaster rises, the mayor has asked the community to empathize with all other families impacted by the flood.
“I think we need to be thankful for what we have,” Hendrick said. “Sometimes terrible things happen to good people, and you just have to take a moment to say a prayer of thanks and also grieve.”
Officers and Honor Guard members who were close with Martin were assigned to stand watch over the casket until it could be escorted back home.
