Montgomery County Teen Reese Manchaca Confirmed Dead After Deadly Texas Hill Country Flooding — Two Friends Still Missing

HUNT, TX — July 9, 2025 — Tragedy has struck the heart of Montgomery County following the devastating confirmation that Reese Manchaca, a recent graduate of Caney Creek High School, has been found deceased after being swept away during catastrophic flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country over the weekend.

Reese was one of four young people who had traveled to a cabin near Hunt, Texas, to celebrate the summer, unaware that a deadly flood was on its way. As torrential rains poured down and the Guadalupe River swelled with unprecedented speed, the group was overtaken by rushing water. Officials confirm that two individuals remain missing, while a second victim has also been found deceased.

This heartbreaking news has left families shattered and an entire community in mourning.

“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we share this heartbreaking update,” said a Montgomery County spokesperson. “Reese was a bright light, full of life and promise. We are working directly with her family to provide comfort and support during this time of grief.”

A Vibrant Life Cut Short

Reese Manchaca was known by friends, teachers, and classmates as a young woman with an infectious smile, a kind heart, and a joyful spirit. She graduated from Caney Creek High School earlier this year and was looking forward to her future.

“She was the soul of our class,” said a former classmate. “Reese was funny, uplifting, always helping others. Her loss is devastating.”

Photos shared online show Reese surrounded by friends, enjoying life — images now seared into the hearts of those grieving her sudden and tragic passing.

The Flood That Took Everything

The flash flooding struck unexpectedly, with rivers rapidly rising across Kerr County and other areas of the Hill Country after intense, prolonged rainfall. The group of four was near the Guadalupe River when the floodwaters surged. Rescue crews from multiple agencies, including Texas Parks and Wildlife and local volunteer fire departments, launched immediate search efforts.

Reese’s body was recovered after extensive searching. Authorities have not yet released the names of the second deceased victim or the two still missing, pending notification of their families.

As the search continues, families remain gathered near the site, clinging to hope for the missing while mourning the lives already lost.

Community Grieving, Leaders Responding

Across Montgomery County and beyond, the grief is palpable. Prayer circles, vigils, and online memorials are being organized. School officials from Caney Creek High School have opened their campus for counseling and remembrance services.

Local churches are also offering support, and residents have poured out messages of love and sorrow.
One message, shared widely online, read:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34:18. We are crushed, but we are not alone.”

Montgomery County officials have pledged to stand by Reese’s family and all others affected.

“Our entire region is grieving,” said a county statement. “This tragedy reminds us how fragile life can be, and how important it is to hold our loved ones close.”

Rescue Efforts Continue

As of Wednesday morning, search and recovery operations remain active. Conditions remain dangerous in parts of the Hill Country, and officials are urging the public to avoid travel through flood-prone areas.

The National Weather Service confirmed that this past weekend’s rainfall exceeded historical averages, pushing the Guadalupe River and others well beyond flood stage. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for the region and pledged support for recovery operations.

Honoring Reese’s Legacy

A formal memorial service for Reese Manchaca is being planned, and more details will be shared by her family in the coming days. A GoFundMe has been established to help cover funeral costs and provide resources for the ongoing search efforts.

Friends and family are also calling on the public to continue praying — not just for Reese, but for the two still missing and the countless others impacted by this historic natural disaster.

 Final Word

The death of Reese Manchaca is a searing loss not just for her family, but for an entire generation of young people who saw in her the very best of what a future could hold. She was joyful. She was loved. She mattered.

Now, her name joins a sorrowful list of flood victims, but her legacy will remain etched in the hearts of those she left behind.

Rest in peace, Reese. You will never be forgotten.