The Center for Human Identification at UNT Health Fort Worth expedited DNA testing to help identify victims of the July 4 Hill Country floods. Michael Coble, who leads the facility, received a request for assistance from Brady Mills, the Texas Department of Public Safety crime laboratory chief, on the evening of July 5. Samples began arriving the following day.
The disaster, triggered by stalled storms and parched soil, caused the Guadalupe River to surge to 37 feet, resulting in nearly 140 deaths. Among the victims were 25 campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic. Texas Rangers and medical examiners collected biological samples from remains, while relatives provided reference DNA.
Normally requiring over a week, the center completed tests within 24 hours to provide answers to grieving families. Coble noted the urgency was driven by a desire to help families quickly, a sentiment influenced by his own role as a father and grandfather.