Chloe Childress, a 19-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic, is being mourned by family and friends after losing her life in the devastating Texas floods over the July 4th weekend.
According to FOX affiliate KRIV and ABC News, Childress was one of 27 campers and counselors who died when severe flash flooding tore through the Christian girls’ camp in Kerr County. The tragedy unfolded on Friday, July 4, as heavy rains triggered a catastrophic flood in the Texas Hill Country.
In a heartfelt statement to KRIV, Childress’ family described her as someone who radiated “contagious joy, unending grace and abiding faith.”
“Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic,” the family said. “Our family was shocked to hear of the horrific flooding in the Hill Country, and we were devastated to learn that our precious Chloe was among the victims.”
Texas Game Wardens continue to search the area around Camp Mystic as several people remain missing. The camp has been left severely damaged, with uprooted trees and debris marking the trail of destruction.
“While we know that her joy is now eternal and her faith has become sight, our hearts are shattered by this loss and the similar heartbreak of other families like ours,” the Childress family added. “We ask for privacy as we grieve and are deeply grateful for the outpouring of care, prayers, and sympathy carrying us through these days.”
Chloe had recently graduated from The Kinkaid School and was preparing to start her first semester at the University of Texas this fall.
Jonathan Eades, head of The Kinkaid School, paid tribute to her legacy, saying, “Chloe always 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.”
Camp Mystic, in a statement on their website, confirmed the deaths of 27 campers and counselors and said that 10 others are still missing.
“Our hearts are broken alongside the families enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” the statement read. “We’re working closely with local and state authorities who have deployed significant resources in the ongoing search efforts. We are incredibly grateful for the support of first responders and our community.”
As of now, the death toll from the Texas floods has reached at least 104, according to the Associated Press and NBC News. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing.
