San Antonio Vacation Takes Tragic Turn as Family’s SUV is Stolen Along with Cherished Trophy

San Antonio Family’s Trip Takes a Turn for the Worse

In a tale that mixes excitement with heartbreak, a family visiting San Antonio from South Carolina had their thrilling adventure cut short by a sad twist of fate. The Master family, comprising Hannah, her husband Brandon, and their two sons, had one main goal in mind while exploring Texas: to enjoy a wedding and soak up some remarkable sights. Yet, what started as a delightful outing turned into a distressing experience they will never forget.

A Trip to Remember

As the Masters made their way to San Antonio, they stopped off in Decatur, a small town where Brandon had spent countless hunting seasons with his uncle. Last December, Brandon had successfully bagged a stunning 12-point buck, which had since been mounted—a proud trophy that the family just recently picked up after spending around $900 on taxidermy. To them, this wasn’t just any ordinary piece; it represented cherished memories between Brandon and his beloved uncle, especially after losing his father 14 years ago.

On their trip, the Masters decided to squeeze in a visit to the iconic Alamo and the beautiful Riverwalk. “We wanted to try and make the best out of the trip,” said Hannah. For her and her sons, it was their first trip to the Lone Star State, and they were eager to create lasting memories.

The Unthinkable Happens

However, the happiness of their excursion took a turn when they returned to the paid parking lot where they had left their Suburban SUV. After a short hour at the Alamo, they quickly realized their vehicle was missing. “It was the scariest thing in the world,” Hannah described the realization. “We had everything in there: two laptops, my wallet, backpacks, and of course, the prized buck head mount.”

Brandon’s Army National Guard experience kicked in as he promptly tracked an air tag placed inside one of their backpacks. His heart sank when he arrived at the scene only to find the police already there, trying to make sense of the situation. Although some belongings were found, including clothes and bathroom essentials, the most important items—the buck head mount and other personal effects—had vanished.

Filing a Report and Seeking Answers

Feeling devastated, the family filed a police report and rented a car to get back home. Two weeks later, they received word that their SUV had been located—but it was severely vandalized, with both front windows smashed in. Unfortunately, the buck head was nowhere to be found. Brandon was visibly shaken; it wasn’t just a simple trophy for him, but a reminder of a hunting bond he had with his uncle. “It was a good memory ripped from him,” Hannah stated solemnly.

In hopes of finding their beloved mount, the family took to social media, posting about the missing trophy. They brainstormed where it might have ended up—“It could be at a pawn shop, on Facebook Marketplace, or even in someone’s house here in San Antonio,” Hannah suggested.

Silver Linings Amidst the Chaos

On a more positive note, a local Christian school stepped in when they found one of the boy’s backpacks and connected with the family back in South Carolina to send it back. The small gesture lifted their son’s spirits, especially since the backpack held a treasured keychain from a favorite teacher.

Looking Ahead

Even in the face of such a setback, Hannah expressed how much the family looked forward to time in the great outdoors. “Our oldest son said he’s going to land a bigger buck when we return to hunt this December,” she said, holding onto hope for the future.

As the search for the missing 12-point buck continues, the Master family reminds everyone to be vigilant and aware of their belongings while visiting the beautiful sights San Antonio has to offer.