In a devastating turn of events, flooding along the Guadalupe River has resulted in the tragic loss of 24 lives, with over 20 children reported missing in Kerr County. Among those unaccounted for are several girls who were attending Camp Mystic, a summer camp in the picturesque Hill Country region of Texas. Rescue crews have been swiftly deployed to the affected area to aid in the search and recovery efforts.
Among those missing is Kerrville Tivy boys soccer coach Reece Zunker, his wife Paula, and their two children. The community has rallied together, with the Kerrville Tivy football team posting a heartfelt statement on their X account, urging prayers for the Zunker family and others affected by this historic flooding.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed late Friday that the number of fatalities stands at 24, though the identities of the victims have not been disclosed pending notifications to next-of-kin. "We will be working around the clock, 24/7, until every person is found," Leitha stated, emphasizing the commitment of local authorities to ensure all residents are accounted for.
As the situation unfolds, state officials reported that approximately 237 individuals have been rescued from the floodwaters. Mayor Joe Herring Jr. of Kerrville expressed his sorrow, stating, "This is a hard day, and there will be hard days to come." Among the victims, at least five are from the Houston area, with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo emphasizing the community's collective grief, stating, “All of Texas is impacted by this tragic event.”
In a press conference, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick revealed that around 23 girls from Camp Mystic are still missing. The camp, which was not in session at the time of the flooding, had some attendees on site for a retreat.
The flooding has taken a significant toll on local businesses as well. Anyssa Chaisson, a stylist at Hair in Ingram, shared her devastation over the loss of her tools and equipment, which were essential to her livelihood. “What do I do now? Because my life was hair,” Chaisson lamented, highlighting the emotional and financial impact of the flooding.
Nearby, at Ohana’s Shaved Ice, owner Jose Garcia was seen salvaging soggy bills from the wreckage of his business. The family, well-known for their refreshing treats, had been preparing for a busy summer season. "This sucks," Garcia stated as they worked together to clean up the debris.
The community is also mourning the loss of Jane Ragsdale, the 68-year-old director of the Heart O’ the Hills Camp in Hunt, who died during the flooding. Ragsdale, a lifelong advocate for young girls, is remembered for her significant contributions to the camp and the countless lives she influenced.
This event echoes a tragic flood that occurred in Kerr County in 1987, which claimed the lives of ten teenagers. Witness accounts describe a harrowing scene as floodwaters rapidly engulfed the area. The Kerrville Police Department continues its search for victims, urging the community to stay off the streets as rescue efforts progress.
In a statement, the department expressed, “This is a devastating event for our community, but we are strong together.” They emphasized the overwhelming support from individuals and organizations eager to assist in recovery efforts.
In light of the flooding, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of "all necessary resources" to assist Kerr County. The state has activated emergency response measures and mobilized water rescue teams to aid in the ongoing search and recovery efforts. Abbott reassured the community that state resources are dedicated to alleviating the impact of this catastrophic event.
As the situation evolves, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, heed warnings from local authorities, and stay safe as the recovery process begins in the wake of this tragic flooding incident.
