Tragedy at Camp Mystic: Texas Flash Flood Claims Life of Young Counselor and Many Others. On July 4, a sudden flash flood struck Texas Hill Country, turning a quiet morning into chaos and loss. Among the victims was 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo, a counselor at Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp that was heavily affected by the flood.
The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, sweeping away cabins, bridges, and vehicles. Many campers and staff, including 27 from Camp Mystic, went missing. The youngest campers, trapped with no emergency training or food, faced terrifying conditions.
A week later, Katherine’s body was found. She was a recent high school graduate planning to study special education and was deeply dedicated to helping children with special needs. Her family expressed thanks to rescuers and announced the creation of the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation to continue her mission.
Camp Mystic’s co-owner and director, Richard Eastland, also died heroically while trying to save campers.
The flood caused historic damage across central Texas, with over 100 confirmed deaths, many in Kerr County where the camp is located. Officials are continuing rescue and recovery efforts. Criticism has been raised about the lack of flood warning sirens in the area.
Global condolences poured in, including a letter from King Charles III to President Trump. Several campers and staff remain missing, while communities grieve and support each other in the aftermath of this disaster.
