Chaos at Dawn: How a Devastating Flash Flood Ravaged Texas Hill Country and Changed Lives Forever
In the predawn darkness of July 4th, what began as a tranquil summer morning in Texas Hill Country quickly spiraled into a nightmare. A sudden, relentless flash flood struck with terrifying force, turning calm waters into a roaring torrent of destruction. Among those caught in the deadly surge was 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo, a compassionate camp counselor at Camp Mystic, whose courageous spirit now lives on amid the tragedy.
The Guadalupe River’s Fury Unleashed
Fueled by intense tropical rains, the Guadalupe River swelled at an astonishing pace—rising a staggering 26 feet in just 45 minutes. This violent surge swept through central Texas with merciless speed, devastating homes, camps, and entire communities in its path. Camp Mystic, a peaceful all-girls retreat nestled southwest of Hunt, bore the brunt of nature’s wrath.
At least 27 campers and staff vanished amid the chaos, swallowed by the rising floodwaters. Cabins, bridges, and vehicles were swept away as parts of the camp became isolated islands surrounded by murky, raging water. Thunderclaps echoed through the night, jolting frightened girls awake—many untrained for emergencies and with no time to prepare.
Some of the camp’s lowest-lying cabins—Look Out and Hangover—were completely submerged, according to eyewitness Moore. The youngest campers in the Flats faced the greatest peril, trapped by debris-blocked bridges that cut off access to Senior Hill and safety. With no snacks allowed inside cabins and communication lines severed, the girls endured a terrifying, uncertain wait—hungry, frightened, and left in the dark.