Rachel Maddow Hears Heartbreaking Voicemail Left by Father for His Children Before Dying in Texas Floods: “The Worst Voicemail You Can Imagine”

In an emotionally charged moment that captured the attention of millions, Rachel Maddow took to her show to share a heartbreaking voicemail left by Jeff Ramsey, a father who tragically lost his life in the catastrophic Texas floods of July 2025. As the floodwaters overtook his camper in Kerrville, Texas, Jeff Ramsey, 61, made sure to leave a final message for his children, one that would haunt them forever.

This tragic moment was shared by Jeff’s son, Jake Ramsey, who described the voicemail as “the worst voicemail you could possibly imagine getting on a 4th of July morning.” In his final moments, Jeff Ramsey’s words to his children, telling them he loved them and that he believed his time had come, struck a chord with viewers and listeners alike.

A Father’s Final Goodbye: The Voicemail That Left a Nation in Shock

Jake Ramsey shared his family’s devastation when recounting the voicemail that his father had left. “It’s just my dad telling us he loves us,” Jake explained on ABC News Live. “He pretty much said, ‘I think this is it.’” This haunting message, received by Jake and his sister, came as a chilling realization that their father’s life was slipping away amid the rising floodwaters. In his last moments, Jeff made a final, desperate effort to connect with his children, to say goodbye, and to prepare them for the worst.

The Ramsey family’s tragic loss is compounded by the emotional weight of Jeff’s final message—a message left during a moment of great personal turmoil. The voicemail has become symbolic not only of Jeff’s love for his family but also of the real-time horror families experienced as the floodwaters came crashing through their lives. Maddow, known for her investigative journalism and empathy, shared this tragic story with viewers on her show, using the moment to highlight the profound impact of the Texas floods.

The Tragic Impact of the Texas Floods

On the morning of July 9, 2025, Kerr County, Texas, was rocked by unprecedented flooding. Over 1,700 emergency responders, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas National Guard, and volunteer groups, worked tirelessly to rescue victims, but the floodwaters quickly overwhelmed the area. The damage was catastrophic, leaving at least 95 dead, including 36 children, and 161 more still missing.

For Jeff and Tanya Ramsey, who were both swept away by the flood, this tragedy became one of the most heartbreaking stories to emerge from the devastation. Tanya, who was 46, and Jeff, 61, had both been trapped in their camper when the floodwaters surged, leaving them with little chance of escape. In their final moments, Jeff called family members to warn them of the imminent danger. His call helped save lives—Tanya’s brother and mother, staying in a cabin nearby, were able to escape before the water reached them. Yet, despite their efforts to find the couple, they were unable to rescue Jeff and Tanya in time.

Despite the overwhelming devastation, a small glimmer of hope emerged from this tragedy. Jeff and Tanya’s beloved puppy, Chloe, was rescued by Tanya’s brother, offering the family a small consolation amidst the loss. “We were ecstatic to hear that Chloe was still alive,” Jake Ramsey shared. “She’s just such a huge part of my dad and Tanya’s heart, so to have her back here with us, it means the world to us.”

Rachel Maddow’s Heartfelt Response and the Broader Impact

Rachel Maddow, who was deeply moved by the Ramsey family’s story, shared the voicemail with her audience, using the moment to reflect on the profound emotional toll of the flood. She acknowledged the human cost of such disasters, emphasizing that Jeff Ramsey’s final message was more than just a goodbye—it was a testament to the love and care parents have for their children, even in their last moments.

Tanya and Jeff Ramsey are shown with their children.
Jake Ramsey

On The Rachel Maddow Show, Maddow expressed her deep sympathy for the Ramsey family and highlighted how Jeff’s last act—leaving his children a message of love and warning—was a reflection of the selflessness and strength of his character. Her emotional retelling of this moment allowed viewers to understand the gravity of the situation, and how, in the face of disaster, people often still find ways to protect and care for their loved ones.

The Texas floods not only caused unimaginable loss but also brought to the forefront the stories of bravery, resilience, and love in the face of crisis. For the Ramsey family, Jeff’s last voicemail remains a reminder of his enduring love for his children, even in his final moments.

Jeff Ramsey, 61 and Tanya Ramsey, 46
Jake Ramsey

The Devastating Toll of the Flood: A Broader Tragedy

Beyond the Ramsey family, the floods in Texas have left an indelible mark on the community. In addition to the 95 confirmed deaths, the community continues to mourn the loss of so many innocent lives, particularly children. The floodwaters ravaged homes, destroyed infrastructure, and left entire neighborhoods unrecognizable. In the aftermath, survivors have been left to pick up the pieces of their lives, trying to rebuild in the face of overwhelming odds.

Many survivors, like Jake Ramsey, have voiced their frustrations with the slow response and lack of preparedness that led to the scale of the tragedy. “I know there could have been much more done to prevent this tragedy, and it just sucks to see political division over the whole thing,” Jake said. Despite these frustrations, he expressed a measure of hope, saying, “But I do have confidence, especially with today’s administration, that we’re going to get stuff done and we’re going to move forward the right way in the future.”

Jake’s words reflect a sentiment shared by many survivors, who remain determined to press forward despite the emotional and physical toll of the floods. In the wake of this disaster, there is a call for better disaster preparedness, better warning systems, and more robust infrastructure to protect those living in flood-prone areas.

An American flag sits on a destroyed bridge over the Guadalupe River at Arcadia Loop and Bear Creek Road after flooding in Kerrville, Texas, July 9, 2025.
Gerald Herbert/AP

A Legacy of Love and Strength

The story of Jeff Ramsey’s final voicemail serves as a poignant reminder of the love and strength that families share, even in the face of the most devastating circumstances. His message, full of love, reassurance, and a final warning, was the last way he could protect his children—something no amount of physical distance or floodwater could take away.

As the Ramsey family begins to recover from their unimaginable loss, they take solace in the fact that Jeff’s final act was one of love and care. The image of Chloe the puppy, safe and sound, is a small but meaningful piece of comfort in an otherwise tragic situation. It shows that even in the most difficult times, there are moments of hope that remind us of the importance of family, love, and resilience.

For Rachel Maddow, sharing the Ramsey family’s story was a way to shed light on the human cost of the Texas floods. Through her broadcast, she was able to convey the deeply emotional reality of the situation and give her audience a window into the lives of those most affected. This story, like so many others, serves as a reminder that, despite the overwhelming devastation of such disasters, the power of love and family endures, even in the face of the greatest adversity.

A Call for Change and Resilience

The Texas floods have left deep scars on the community, but they have also inspired a call for action. As survivors like Jake Ramsey look toward the future, they are advocating for better flood management, better disaster preparedness, and more efforts to protect communities from future catastrophes. The pain of losing loved ones in such a brutal and senseless way will never fully subside, but through their grief, there is a clear determination to ensure that future generations are better protected from similar disasters.

In the days and months ahead, the legacy of the Texas floods will continue to shape the conversation about disaster relief, emergency response, and the role of government in protecting communities. For Jake Ramsey and his family, the loss of Jeff and Tanya will never be forgotten—but their memory will continue to inspire a future built on resilience, love, and a commitment to never letting such a tragedy happen again.

As for Jeff Ramsey’s final voicemail, it will remain a lasting testament to the strength and love of a father, and a reminder that even in the face of death, family remains the most important thing.