Flash Flood Devastates Camp Mystic Before Dawn
Before dawn on July 4, a powerful flash flood struck Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country. The sudden surge of water left devastation, many questions, and confirmed the tragic d**th of one of its young counselors.
Katherine Ferruzzo Confirmed D**d
On July 11, 2025, authorities confirmed the d**th of 19-year-old Camp Mystic counselor Katherine Ferruzzo. The flash flood swept through the Guadalupe River area days earlier, causing severe damage.
Ferruzzo’s family confirmed the discovery of her remains. They expressed deep gratitude to the search and rescue teams, volunteers, and especially the Texas Rangers for their dedication. They also thanked the Houston and Camp Mystic communities for their support. The family requested privacy to grieve and sent condolences to other affected families.
Remembering Katherine Ferruzzo’s Legacy
Katherine recently graduated from Memorial High School and planned to start studies at the University of Texas at Austin this fall. She aimed to pursue a career in special education.
During high school, Ferruzzo actively volunteered with Houston organizations supporting children and individuals with special needs. She helped organize Memorial High School’s first Unity Football game, allowing special needs students to participate in a mini-football event.
In her honor, the family announced plans to launch the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation. Details about donations will be shared soon.
The Flooding and Its Impact
The flood struck in the early hours of July 4 after intense tropical rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes. This rapid surge devastated homes, vehicles, and campsites, including Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp near Hunt, Texas.
Initially, 27 people connected to the camp were reported missing. Sadly, many were later confirmed d**d, including campers, staff, and the camp’s co-owner, 70-year-old Richard Eastland. Eastland d**d trying to save children, earning him praise as a local hero.
Campers Describe the Cha0s
According to The Wall Street Journal, 14-year-old camper Amelia Moore recalled waking to a thunderclap shaking her cabin, “Angel’s Attic.” Rising waters, screams, and confusion followed as the camp began flooding.
Girls from flooded cabins moved to higher ground. Some cabins, like “Hangover” and “Look Out,” were submerged. Moore heard screams from “the Flats,” where younger campers stayed close to main camp facilities but were vulnerable once the river overflowed.
By 7 a.m., the campers found themselves isolated. The bridge connecting Senior Hill to the Flats was blocked by water and fallen trees. With no food allowed in cabins, the girls went hungry all day. Moore said the camp had never provided emergency flood training.
Community and Official Responses
Camp Mystic released a statement expressing heartbreak alongside affected families. Officials confirmed that 27 campers and staff, initially reported missing, were among the d**d. Six individuals remain unaccounted for.
The flood’s aftermath sparked political debate. Critics blamed job cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS), but the White House denied those claims. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the flood “an act of God” and highlighted early warnings issued by the NWS.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick acknowledged the absence of flood sirens in the region, a safety measure debated but never funded for nearly a decade. He supported installing the system before the next summer season.
Global Condolences and Ongoing Recovery
Condolences poured in worldwide. King Charles III sent a letter to President Trump, expressing “profound sadness” and deepest sympathy to affected families.
As recovery efforts continue, the Camp Mystic tragedy highlights the devastating impact of the Texas floods. The disaster underscores the challenges facing families, communities, and emergency response systems throughout the region.
