Chloe Childress, a recent high school graduate and beloved counselor at Camp Mystic, was among those killed during the catastrophic flooding that struck Hunt, Texas, over the Fourth of July weekend.
Childress had just graduated from The Kinkaid School in Houston and was preparing to attend the University of Texas at Austin this fall. Her death was confirmed by a representative from her high school.
Jonathan Eades, head of The Kinkaid School, paid tribute to Childress in a letter to the school community, remembering her as a compassionate leader and a steady presence among her peers.
“Chloe had a remarkable way of making people feel seen,” Eades wrote. “Whether it was sharing her own struggles to lighten someone else’s load or quietly encouraging a teammate through a tough day, Chloe made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave. She didn’t just belong to a community—she helped build one.”
While at Kinkaid, Childress served as co-president of the school’s Honor Council, competed on the varsity cross-country team, and launched a club focused on supporting senior citizens. Her commitment to service, according to Eades, continued even in her final moments.
“She lost her life upholding this selfless and fierce commitment to others,” he said. “Chloe led with empathy. Her honesty inspired others to speak up. Her resilience gave others strength. And her joy, evident in the little things, reminded everyone to show up with heart.”
Childress was one of at least 11 campers and counselors who died at Camp Mystic when flash floods tore through the area. The Guadalupe River, which borders the camp, rose a staggering 26 feet in just 45 minutes, according to the National Weather Service—marking its second-highest level on record.
Across the state, at least 80 people have been confirmed dead, and dozens remain missing after days of torrential rain triggered widespread flooding. Kerr County, where Camp Mystic is located, has reported the highest number of fatalities, including 28 children.
As Texas continues recovery efforts, Childress is being remembered not only as a promising student but as a person who made a lasting impact on those around her—one act of kindness at a time.
