Tragic Loss at Camp Mystic: Katherine Ferruzzo Found Dead After Devastating Hill Country Floods
HUNT, TEXAS — July 15, 2025 — The hopes of family, friends, and the Camp Mystic community were shattered Friday when 18-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo, the last missing camp counselor, was confirmed dead following the catastrophic floods that swept through Texas’s Hill Country earlier this week.
Katherine, a recent high school graduate and newly appointed counselor at Camp Mystic, was caught in the violent floodwaters unleashed by heavy rains that caused the Guadalupe River to overflow its banks. Despite a massive, multi-day search led by the Texas Rangers and local emergency teams, the young woman’s life was tragically claimed by the natural disaster.
A Life Filled With Promise
Katherine was more than just a camp counselor. She was a vibrant young woman, full of dreams and determination. Having recently graduated high school, she had been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin, where she planned to pursue a career in special education—a field she was deeply passionate about.
Family and friends remember her as compassionate, dedicated, and full of hope. “Katherine had a heart of gold,” said her sister Maria Ferruzzo. “She wanted to make a difference, especially for children who need extra support and understanding.”
At Camp Mystic, Katherine was beloved by campers and staff alike for her kindness and nurturing nature. She was known to always put others first, often going above and beyond to ensure the safety and happiness of the girls she was entrusted to care for.
The Flood That Changed Everything
The tragedy unfolded when a sudden, intense storm dumped record rainfall over the region, causing flash flooding that overwhelmed the Guadalupe River and nearby areas. Camp Mystic, situated near the river, was swiftly engulfed as water levels surged.
Eyewitnesses recall Katherine’s bravery as she helped evacuate campers to safety. Tragically, she was last seen returning to assist another camper who had fallen behind before being swept away by the rising waters.
Her fellow counselor, Lauren Vance, described Katherine as “the kindest, most selfless person I’ve ever known. She put everyone else’s safety before her own.”
Community United in Grief and Support
The search for Katherine galvanized the community, with rescue teams, volunteers, and family members tirelessly combing the riverbanks and surrounding areas for days. Online vigils and prayer groups sprang up across social media as thousands held onto hope.
“We all wanted a miracle,” said Texas Ranger Captain Raul Martinez. “But the flood was merciless, and our hearts go out to Katherine’s family.”
In response to this heartbreaking loss, Katherine’s family has announced plans to establish the Katherine Ferruzzo Foundation, aimed at supporting children with special needs and enhancing safety measures at youth camps vulnerable to natural disasters.
Remembering Katherine Ferruzzo
A public memorial service will be held in Dallas next week to honor Katherine’s life, with Camp Mystic planning a tribute to their fallen counselor. Her legacy of compassion, courage, and commitment to others will continue to inspire those who knew her.
As the Texas Hill Country begins to heal from the devastation, the void left by Katherine’s passing serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the preciousness of every life.
Katherine Ferruzzo, 2007–2025
Forever remembered, forever missed.