A flash flood struck Camp Mystic in Texas before dawn on July 4, sweeping through the Guadalupe River and causing massive destruction. Among the victims was 19-year-old counselor Katherine Ferruzzo, whose death was confirmed on July 11. Her family thanked rescue teams and the Texas Rangers, asking for privacy while mourning. Ferruzzo had recently graduated from Memorial High School and planned to study special education at the University of Texas. She was known for her work with children with special needs and helped organize her school’s first Unity Football game. Her family plans to launch the *Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation* in her honor.

The flooding, caused by intense tropical rain, raised the river 26 feet in 45 minutes. It overwhelmed Camp Mystic, where 27 people were reported missing. Campers, some as young as seven, were trapped without food and unprepared. “Everybody thought flooding was a possibility but we never got training,” said 14-year-old Amelia Moore.

Camp Mystic co-owner Richard Eastland, 70, died trying to save children. A local pastor said, “He died a hero.” Kerr County alone reported 87 deaths—56 adults and 31 children—with others still missing. Camp Mystic stated, “Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy.”