Camp Mystic counselor confirmed dead after central Texas floods
(NewsNation) — Katherine Ferruzzo, the last unaccounted for camp counselor at Camp Mystic, was found dead on Friday, her family confirmed to NewsNation.
Twenty-seven campers and counselors died in flash floods over the Fourth of July weekend, in addition to more than 100 other people in Kerr County, Texas.
Recovery efforts are still underway, as central Texas faces the potential for more floods. The area is under a flood watch until 7 p.m. local time Sunday.
A massive memorial with photos of the victims and other mementos has been formed in downtown Kerrville, Texas. People from across Texas and other states have visited in recent days to pay their respects and leave flowers.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the search and rescue professionals and volunteers who have remained steadfast in their efforts to locate the victims of this tragedy,” Ferruzzo’s family said. “We would especially like to thank the Texas Rangers.”
Feruzzo recently graduated from Memorial High School and had been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin this fall. She planned to become a special education teacher, according to her family.
The family is establishing the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation to honor her compassion for individuals with special needs and learning differences.
“We are heartbroken for the other families and pray for all who have been affected,” the family said, also thanking Camp Mystic in their statement.
People look through belongings on a camp trunk at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Officials ride a boat as they arrive to assist with a recovery effort at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Officials inspect an area at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A person salvages a bell from the main building at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A Camp Mystic sign is seen near the entrance to the establishment along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Campers’ belongings sit outside one of Camp Mystic’s cabins near the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 7, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Eli Hartman)
The Center Point Volunteer Fire Department said the terrain is a large challenge, combing through the debris in poor weather conditions.
During the week, the heat picked up, which has taken a toll on first responders and volunteers. The heavy rainfall stopped recovery efforts Sunday morning.
Locals received an emergency alert, warning of a “high probability” of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, where Camp Mystic is located, reaching flood stage Sunday. It also warned, “All persons, equipment and vehicles should be removed from the river immediately.”
NewsNation’s Ashley Soriano contributed to this report.
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