A devastating flash flood tore through the heart of Texas Hill Country before sunrise on July 4, turning a peaceful summer morning into a scene of chaos, terror, and irreversible tragedy. One of the lives lost in this natural disaster was 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo, a dedicated counselor at Camp Mystic. Her memory has since become a symbol of heartbreak and tribute.
A Rapid Rise on the Guadalupe River
The tragedy began in the early hours of Independence Day when torrential rains triggered a sudden and extreme rise in the Guadalupe River—surging 26 feet in under an hour. The floodwaters overwhelmed homes, camps, and rural communities across central Texas, with Camp Mystic—a popular girls’ summer camp—bearing the worst of the damage.
Located southwest of Hunt, Texas, Camp Mystic was among the most severely affected areas. At least 27 people connected to the camp, including children and staff, were reported missing in the initial aftermath. Cabins, bridges, and vehicles were swept away by the water, leaving sections of the camp isolated or underwater.
Witnesses described how cabins in lower areas—such as Look Out and Hangover—were completely submerged. Campers from the Flats, where the youngest girls stayed, were especially at risk. A key bridge linking the Flats to Senior Hill was blocked by debris and surging currents, severing access to safer ground. With communication systems down and no food allowed in cabins, the girls endured terrifying hours without guidance, supplies, or contact with the outside world.
