Flash Flood Ravages Camp Mystic, Claiming Life of Beloved Counselor
Texas Hill Country — July 4, 2025
In the early hours of Independence Day, a powerful flash flood tore through Camp Mystic, a cherished summer retreat nestled along the Guadalupe River. The sudden and ferocious waters left a path of destruction—and heartbreak. Days later, the tragedy deepened with the discovery of 19-year-old counselor Katherine Ferruzzo’s body.
Katherine Ferruzzo’s Death Confirmed
On July 11, authorities officially confirmed that Katherine Ferruzzo, a vibrant young counselor and recent high school graduate, was among the victims of the flood. Her remains were recovered after an extensive search effort led by Texas Rangers, first responders, and community volunteers.
Katherine’s family expressed their profound gratitude to all involved in the search and rescue operations. In a heartfelt statement, they thanked the Texas Rangers, local officials, and both the Houston and Camp Mystic communities for their unwavering support. They asked for privacy as they mourn, while also extending compassion to the other families affected by the disaster.
A Life of Purpose and Promise
Katherine had recently graduated from Memorial High School and was preparing to attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall, where she planned to pursue a degree in special education.
Known for her compassion and leadership, Katherine dedicated her time in high school to volunteering with organizations that serve children and individuals with special needs. She helped create Memorial High School’s first-ever Unity Football game—an inclusive event where special needs students had the chance to take the field, cheered on by peers and community members.
Honoring Her Legacy
In the wake of their loss, the Ferruzzo family has announced plans to establish the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation, which will continue her mission of advocating for inclusion and supporting children with special needs. Details about donations and ways to support the foundation will be released in the coming weeks.
The Flood and Its Devastating Impact
In the early hours of July 4, tragedy unfolded in the Texas Hill Country when a torrential downpour caused the Guadalupe River to surge more than 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The violent flash flood struck while most were still asleep, demolishing homes, washing away vehicles, and engulfing campsites—most notably Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls summer camp near Hunt, Texas.
Panic and heartbreak quickly followed. Twenty-seven individuals connected to Camp Mystic were initially reported missing. In the days that followed, the toll became heartbreakingly clear. Many, including campers, staff members, and co-owner Richard Eastland, 70, were confirmed dead. Eastland lost his life while attempting to rescue children—an act of courage that has earned him remembrance as a local hero.
Survivors Recall the Chaos
Fourteen-year-old camper Amelia Moore recounted the harrowing experience in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. She awoke to a thunderclap shaking her cabin, aptly named “Angel’s Attic.” What followed was a blur of screams, rushing water, and fear.
As the floodwaters rapidly overtook the grounds, older campers scrambled to guide younger girls from submerged cabins like “Hangover” and “Look Out” to higher ground. Moore recalled haunting cries coming from “the Flats,” a lower area where younger campers slept dangerously close to the rising river.
By sunrise, the camp was cut off. The main bridge linking Senior Hill to the rest of camp was blocked by debris and raging water. Stranded and with no access to food—camp policy prohibits storing any in cabins—the girls went hungry for hours. Moore said the camp never offered any emergency flood preparedness training.
A Shaken Community Responds
Camp Mystic released a statement mourning the lives lost and standing in solidarity with affected families. Authorities later confirmed that most of the 27 reported missing had perished. As of now, six people remain unaccounted for.
The disaster has sparked heated public discourse over preparedness and government response. Critics linked the catastrophe to staffing cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS), though the White House rejected the claim. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled the flood “an act of God” and insisted early alerts had been issued in time.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick admitted that flood sirens—long proposed but never funded in the region—could have made a difference. He pledged to support their installation before the next summer season.
Condolences from Around the World
The scale of the tragedy drew international attention. In a formal message, King Charles III expressed “profound sadness” to President Trump, extending heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected.
As recovery efforts continue, the flood at Camp Mystic stands as a sobering reminder of nature’s power—and the urgent need for better safety infrastructure in vulnerable regions. For the families left behind, the loss is immeasurable. For Texas, it’s a call to prepare, protect, and never forget.