Rising death toll in Texas Hill Country floods includes Houston-area residents, children

TEXAS – Multiple Houston-area residents have now been confirmed dead following the catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country.

Residents of Kerr County began clearing mud and salvaging what they could from their demolished properties as they recounted harrowing escapes from rapidly rising floodwaters late Friday.

The catastrophic flooding that struck Central Texas caused the Guadalupe River near Kerrville to surge by more than 20-26 feet within 90 minutes, leading to widespread damage and road washouts.

Many of the missing were attending Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls’ camp in Kerr County.

Brad Perry

Brad Perry, a former League City volunteer firefighter, has been confirmed dead following the catastrophic Texas Hill Country floods. Perry and his wife, Tina, were camping in the area when floodwaters rapidly rose. Tina was found safe, but Brad remained missing for several days.

Mary Kate Jacobe

The family of 8-year-old Mary Kate Jacobe, a Camp Mystic camper killed in the Hill Country flooding, has confirmed her body was found. In a statement, they thanked the community for its prayers and support during this heartbreaking time.

“Our precious angel baby has entered the gates of Heaven. Mary Kate Jacobe was the light of our lives. She was tiny but mighty, full of love and joy with a smile that melted your heart. Mary Kate, our Sissy, was the baby of our large family and was most certainly our angel on earth. We are utterly shattered and forever changed by the loss of our girl.

Please know we truly appreciate the prayers and support so lovingly expressed by so many. We sincerely thank you for respecting our family’s privacy as we process the unthinkable.

Our family extends our deepest sympathy to all those affected by the tragic flooding. We stand united by loss but rooted in love. May God be with you now and always.”

The Jacobe Family, Houston, Texas

Anna Margaret Bellows

Family members confirmed to the Houston Chronicle that the body of Anna Margaret Bellows, a Camp Mystic camper, has been recovered.

Chloe Childress

Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic, was among those killed when floodwaters swept through the camp.

The Kinkaid School community is mourning the loss of one of their own. In a message to families at the Kinkaid School, Head of School Jonathan Eades shared the heartbreaking news:

I am devastated to share with you the unthinkable update that Chloe Childress, Class of 2025, lost her life in the historic flood in Hunt, Texas, while serving as a counselor at Camp Mystic. We will now do what Kinkaid does best…we will put our collective loving arms around this sweet family and all who love Chloe.

Chloe had a remarkable way of making people feel seen. She was wise beyond her years, with a steady compassion that settled a room. Whether it was sharing her own challenges to ease someone’s burden or quietly cheering a teammate or classmate through a tough day, Chloe made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave. She understood what it meant to be part of a community, and more than that, she helped build one. She was deeply invested in people and cared for those around her. She understood how important it was to take care of others at all levels - physically, emotionally, and as a community. She lost her life upholding this selfless and fierce commitment to others. A loyal and beloved friend to all who knew her, Chloe led with empathy. Her honesty gave others the courage to speak up. Her resilience helped others push through. Her joy, so present in all the little things, reminded all who knew her to keep showing up with heart.

As we all grieve Chloe’s unexpected and untimely death, Kinkaid’s counselors are available and will soon provide important information about how we as a community will come together to support the Childress family and each other in the days, weeks, and months to come.

On Thursday, July 10, UT Austin, where Chloe was attending in the fall, sent the following statement:

"Fellow Longhorn parents of the class of 2029, UT lost an incoming freshman to the devastating floods in central Texas. The young ladies name was Chloe Childress. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. She was a camp counselor at the camp that lost so many sweet young girls. Hook’em, young lady🤘🏻"

Jeff, Amber and Shiloh Wilson

Humble ISD confirmed that Jeff Wilson, a beloved teacher at Kingwood Park High School, was among those killed in the devastating Hill Country floods. His wife, Amber, and their young son, Shiloh, were reported missing after the family was last seen at the HTR TX Hill Country Campground in Kerrville.

Late Monday, Amber’s brother shared an update on social media, confirming that Amber’s body had been recovered and officially identified.

“While this is not the post I wanted to make, it is a post that I hope will bring us one step closer to closure,” Justin Ledford wrote. “Shiloh is still missing. Please continue to pray and hold us and each other close to your hearts.”

On Friday, Ledford posted an update saying Shiloh has since been recovered.

John, Julia, John “Jack”, and James Burgess IV

Authorities have confirmed that John Burgess IV, previously reported missing in the Texas Hill Country flooding, has been found deceased, according to Pearland News.

Burgess, along with Julia Burgess, John “Jack” L. Burgess V, and James Burgess, was reported missing following the catastrophic flooding in Kerr County. The family is originally from Liberty County. Search efforts are ongoing for the remaining missing family members.

Lainey Landry

A heartbreaking update confirms 9-year-old Lainey Landry from the Houston area has died after the Camp Mystic flooding. My Pearland News shared that she was among the 23 campers previously unaccounted for.

Molly DeWitt
Nine-year-old Molly, who attended Wilchester Elementary School, was among the Camp Mystic girls who were killed by the flood.

Molly’s family will hold a funeral service for her on Friday, July 11, at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church. If you would like to help the family in any way, they’re accepting donations through the Molly DeWitt Fund, which will be directed to causes that mattered to Molly.

Beth and Hutch Bryan

Beth and Hutch Bryan remain missing following the catastrophic Texas Hill Country flooding. The couple was last seen at a cabin along the Guadalupe River near 2005 Highway 39 in Hunt, Texas, before floodwaters swept through the area.

Alyson and Josephine Hardin

Alyson Hardin, and her daughter, Josephine, remain missing after their family home in Hunt, Texas, was swept away by floodwaters on July 4.

Mollie Schaffer

Mollie Schaffer was among those lost in the Texas Hill Country floods. She and her husband, Randy, were at their annual law school reunion at the River Inn in Hunt when rising floodwaters forced an early morning evacuation. In a harrowing Facebook post, Randy described how Mollie helped him escape their flooded SUV before she was swept away by the Guadalupe River. Her body was recovered Sunday. Randy remembered Mollie as selfless to the end, saying, “She wouldn’t leave the car until she was sure I had done so. She saved my life.”

Tim Walker

Tim Walker of Houston remains missing after heroically helping his family escape rising floodwaters along the Guadalupe River. According to the Houston Chronicle, Walker made sure his loved ones got out safely through a window before being swept away by the current in the early hours of July 4. His family, who survived by clinging to trees, rooftops, and debris, continues to hold out hope for his return.

Margaret Sheedy
Margaret Sheedy is among the campers still missing from Camp Mystic following the devastating Texas Hill Country floods. Search efforts continue in and around the Guadalupe River as her family, friends, and the camp community pray for her safe return.

Blakely McCrory

Among the campers who were swept away from Camp Mystic is Blakely McCrory. Her family confirmed to KPRC 2’s sister station KSAT that they had not heard from her since the devastating floods swept through the camp.

On Tuesday, McCrory’s family sent KPRC 2 a statement confirming Blakely died in the flood.

“We are exceedingly grateful for each and every one of the thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes that have been sent our way in the past few days.

“While we hoped for a miracle, it has been confirmed that Blakely’s life was lost on the Guadalupe that early morning, along with so many others. And, while we find some comfort in the knowledge that Blakely is happy, safe, and secure in the arms of Jesus, we are beyond shattered and will miss her with every breath we take for the rest of our lives. Eight years on this earth is far too short a stay. Still, we know that Blakely was light and life, and she brightened the day of everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Our little corner of the world is a better and brighter place because Blakely was here. Although we must mourn her absence, we will choose to celebrate her life.

“Deepest thanks go to all the first responders, many of whom remained on station for days at a time, without sleep, sustenance, or comfort. You brought Blakely home, and for that, we will always be grateful. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the many other families who have suffered unimaginable loss and trauma in this tragic event.

“May we all find strength in each other.”

Ellen Getten

Ellen Getten, one of the young campers at Camp Mystic, remains missing following the devastating floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country.

Katherine Ferruzzo

Katherine Ferruzzo, a beloved counselor at Camp Mystic, is still missing after the catastrophic Texas Hill Country flooding. Her family released a heartfelt statement as the search continues:

“As of today, our daughter, Katherine Ferruzzo, a counselor in the Bubble Inn cabin at Camp Mystic, remains unaccounted for. We ask for your ongoing prayers as responders search for her and the many other victims of last week’s devastating floods in Central Texas.

Katherine has a fierce and loving spirit, and we have no doubt she did all she could to save the lives of the girls in her cabin.

Our family asks that you give us privacy while we await more news and grieve this tragedy.”

Rob and Melissa Kamin

Rob and Melissa Kamin, a couple from the Atascocita area, have been confirmed dead after disappearing during the devastating floods at the HTR TX Hill Country Campground.

In the wake of this difficult news, a vigil that had been planned in their honor has been canceled, in accordance with the family’s wishes. The Kamin family is asking the community to continue offering support to all those affected by the tragedy and to keep Rob and Melissa in their thoughts.

Family and friends have expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this heartbreaking time.

Virginia Hollis

Virginia Hollis, who has ties to the Austin County area, has been reported missing following the catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country. According to family and friends, she was in the area when floodwaters rapidly rose. Former Astros star and current Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman shared a post on social media asking for help locating her.

Reese Manchaca

Reese Manchaca, a Montgomery County native and recent graduate of Caney Creek High School, was among those swept away when deadly floodwaters tore through Kerr County. On Monday, officials confirmed her body had been recovered.

“Please join me in prayer as I have learned a Montgomery County native and recent graduate of Caney Creek High School is among the missing in Kerr County,” Keough shared in a statement.

Please join me in prayer as I have learned a Montgomery County native and recent graduate of Caney Creek High School is...

On July 18, Manchaca will be honored at the LoneStar Convention Center in Conroe at 6:30 p.m.

Greta Toranzo

Greta Katherine Toranzo, a cherished member of the Houston community, was among the victims of the July Fourth flood in Kerr County. The 10-year-old was attending her third summer at Camp Mystic and was known for her bright spirit, kind heart, and love of sports and friendship. Her family described her as joyful, brave, and endlessly loving — a devoted big sister and loyal friend.

In a statement, her parents, Ellen and Jorge Toranzo, expressed their heartbreak and gratitude for the outpouring of support, and thanked first responders and volunteers for their compassion during the search efforts.

It’s with shattered hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved daughter, Greta Katherine Toranzo, lost her life in the July Fourth flood in Kerr County.

Greta was thrilled to return to Camp Mystic for a third summer this year. She was overjoyed to be reunited with her camp friends for weeks of fun, laughter, sports, and sisterhood.

Whether at home, at school, in the pool, or on the tennis court, Greta radiated joy. She was kind, creative, and full of love and also brave, athletic, and determined. She was a caring big sister to her little brother, Oliver, and a friend to so many at Sinclair Elementary, the Timbergrove Sports Association, and the Briar Club.

Our hearts are broken beyond words. We miss her bright spirit, her sweet smile, and her endlessly loving heart.

We’re deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from friends, family, and our community. We want to thank the first responders, search and rescue teams, and volunteers who worked tirelessly with urgency and compassion during the flood. Their bravery and care will never be forgotten.

We ask for privacy as we grieve the unimaginable loss of our Greta. We will be making no further statements at this time.

Ellen and Jorge Toranzo

The Timbergrove Sports Association posted on Friday that Greta Toranzo, who was a confirmed camper at Camp Mystic, is among the missing.

Aidan Heartfield, Ella Cahill, Joyce Badon

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