On the morning of July 4, what should have been a joyful holiday turned tragic as a sudden flash flood swept through Texas Hill Country. Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes, overwhelming everything in its path. Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls summer retreat near Hunt, was devastated. Cabins were destroyed, campers stranded, and more than two dozen people reported missing in the chaos.
The youngest campers, housed in a low-lying section called the Flats, were especially vulnerable. Cut off by floodwaters and debris, they endured hours of fear and confusion with no food, guidance, or communication. Thunder and rising waters shattered the calm, leaving behind scenes of heartbreak and destruction.
Among those tragically lost was 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo, a counselor known for her warmth, spirit, and leadership. Her death has deeply impacted the community, turning her into a symbol of both the fragility of life and the strength that emerges in tragedy. For Katherine, counseling at Camp Mystic was more than a job—it was a calling.
As the community begins to heal, vigils and tributes in Katherine’s name continue to pour in. Her memory now stands as a beacon of compassion and resilience amid unimaginable loss.