Kerrville, Texas, July 16, 2025 — The search for Katherine Ferruzzo, a 19-year-old Camp Mystic counselor who vanished during the catastrophic flash floods that ravaged Texas’ Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, has ended in heartbreak. Her family confirmed her remains were found on Friday, July 11, 2025, along the muddy banks of the Guadalupe River, eight days after the deluge that claimed at least 27 lives at the Christian summer camp for girls. In a poignant statement, the Ferruzzo family revealed Katherine’s final plan before the floods swept her away: to dedicate her summer to mentoring young campers and preparing for her dream of becoming a special education teacher at the University of Texas at Austin.
Katherine, a recent graduate of Memorial High School in Houston, was a counselor at Camp Mystic’s Bubble Inn cabin, where she was responsible for a group of young girls when the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes on July 4, 2025. The unprecedented rainfall—up to 12 inches in some areas—transformed the serene river into a deadly force, obliterating cabins and sweeping away campers and staff in the predawn darkness. Katherine was the last counselor unaccounted for, with her family holding onto hope as search-and-rescue teams, including the Texas Rangers, scoured the debris-laden riverbanks. “Katherine had 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,” her family said in a statement.
In the days before her disappearance, Katherine shared her excitement about her role at Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old institution known for fostering faith and friendship. Her family disclosed that her final plan was to pour her heart into mentoring the girls, drawing on her passion for helping children, especially those with special needs. Katherine had already made a mark in Houston, volunteering with organizations like the Miracle League, Gigi’s Playhouse, Camp Acorn, and Camp Briarwood, and helping organize her school’s first Unity Game, a football event for students with disabilities. She was set to begin her freshman year at UT Austin in the fall, pursuing a degree in early childhood education to become a special education teacher. “Her dream was to make a difference for kids who needed her most,” her family shared.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reported that the floods, among the deadliest in Texas history, killed at least 129 people, with 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic among them. The death toll included young girls like 8-year-old Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal and 9-year-old Janie Hunt, as well as camp owner Dick Eastland, who died trying to save others. Katherine’s body was found entangled in debris 500 meters from the camp, a grim echo of the tragedy that claimed so many young lives. “The terrain and ongoing weather made recovery efforts incredibly challenging,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha, praising the relentless work of over 400 first responders from 20 agencies.
Katherine’s family expressed profound gratitude to the search teams and volunteers, particularly the Texas Rangers, who worked tirelessly to bring closure. “We are incredibly grateful to all the search and rescue professionals and volunteers who remained steadfast in their efforts to locate the victims of this tragedy,” they said in a statement released via NewsNation. To honor Katherine’s legacy, they announced the creation of the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation, which will support children with special needs and learning differences. “Her compassion will live on through this foundation,” they added, noting that donation details would be shared soon.
The tragedy has left the Camp Mystic community and Kerrville in mourning. A growing memorial on Kerrville’s Water Street, adorned with green ribbons and photos, stands as a tribute to Katherine and the other victims. Posts on X reflect the outpouring of grief, with one user writing, “Katherine Ferruzzo, 19, dreamed of becoming a special ed teacher. Her light will never fade.” Another shared, “Her fierce, loving spirit reflects the best of what it means to be a Longhorn,” referencing her upcoming enrollment at UT Austin. The camp, a cherished tradition for generations, has canceled its remaining sessions, and grief counselors are supporting the survivors.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed that recovery efforts will continue until every missing person is accounted for, with 161 still unaccounted for in Kerr County alone. The floods, spurred by a lack of adequate warning systems, have prompted calls for infrastructure improvements to prevent future disasters. As the community grapples with the loss, Katherine Ferruzzo’s memory endures as a beacon of selflessness and love, her final plan to uplift others a testament to her enduring spirit.