An Alabama elementary student and a camp director among those killed in devasting Texas floods
The flooding in central Texas originated from the fast-moving waters on the Guadalupe River on Friday, killing more than 50 people, including 15 children. Authorities say search and rescue efforts are still underway for dozens missing from a summer camp for girls.
JANE RAGSDALE
Jane Ragsdale, 68, devoted her life to the Heart O'the Hills Camp, a summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country. She was a camper and counselor there herself in the 1970s before becoming a co-owner. By the 1980s, she was director of the camp in Hunt.
'She was the heart of The Heart,' the camp said in a statement. 'She was our guiding light, our example, and our safe place. She had the rare gift of making every person feel seen, loved, and important.'
Since the camp was between sessions, no children were staying there when the floodwaters rose. The camp's facilities, directly in the path of the flood, were extensively damaged and access to the site remained difficult, according to camp officials. The camp has been in existence since the 1950s.
Camp officials said Ragsdale would be remembered for her strength and wisdom.
'We are heartbroken. But above all, we are grateful,' the camp said. 'Grateful to have known her, to have learned from her, and to carry her light forward.'
In a 2015 oral history for the Kerr County Historical Commission, Ragsdale, whose first name was Cynthie, but went by her middle name Jane, talked about how her father was also a camp director and how much she enjoyed her experiences.
'I loved every minute of camp from the first time I stepped foot in one,' she recalled.
Videos of Ragsdale strumming a guitar and singing to campers during a recent session were posted in a memorial on the camp's Facebook page: 'Life is good today. So keep singing 'til we meet, again.'
SARAH MARSH
Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh from Alabama had been attending Camp Mystic in Texas, a longtime Christian girls camp in Hunt where several others were killed in the floods. Several dozen children were still missing early Sunday.
Marsh was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary in suburban Birmingham.
'This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community,' Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch said in a Facebook post. 'Sarah's passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her.'
He said the community — where about 20,000 people reside — would rally behind the Marsh family as they grieved.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama also noted the girl's tragic death.
'We continue to pray for the victims' loved ones, the survivors, those who are still missing, and our brave first responders as search and rescue efforts continue in Texas,' she said in a post on social media platform X.
TANYA BURWICK
Tanya Burwick, 62, had been reported missing early Friday and was last seen driving in the San Angelo area, which was also affected by rising floodwaters. Police investigating her disappearance found her unoccupied SUV fully submerged in floodwaters later that day.
When search efforts became too dangerous by evening, police suspended operations until the following morning. That's when Burwick's body was found just blocks from her vehicle.
'Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Burwick's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,' the San Angelo Police Department said in a Facebook post. 'We ask that the public continue to keep the Burwick family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy.'
Police in San Angelo said more than 12,000 houses, barns and other buildings have been affected by the floods in the community of roughly 100,000 people.
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Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Chiming in with chorus of caring
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BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER John LonghurstFaith reporter John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
13 hours ago
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If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Toronto Sun
Detroit man showers streets with money in ‘final' wish for community
Helicopter dropping money onto Detroit streets. Facebook A Michigan man made one last incredible gesture to his community after his death — by making it rain cash from high in the sky. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Darrell 'Plant' Thomas, 58, a car wash owner in East Detroit, died from Alzheimer's disease last month and was laid to rest on June 27. But similar to how his community made him feel, Thomas left his mark on it when during the funeral, a helicopter flew over the neighbourhood of Thomas' business and dropped rose petals and money from above. Traffic on all six lanes of Gratiot Ave. came to a stop as stunned drivers stopped their cars and rushed out to grab whatever falling cash they could, the Detroit News reported. 'Everybody got a little bit,' eyewitness Lisa Knife told the outlet, noting that she herself didn't run toward the falling bills but instead stood back and took in the surreal scene. She noted that while it was hectic, the incident remained peaceful. 'There was no fighting, none of that,' she added. 'It was really beautiful.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Detroit man has a helicopter drop money from the sky as his last wish.58-year-old car wash owner Darrell "Plant" Thomas passed away in June and wanted to give his community one final gift. On the day of his funeral, Thomas' sons Darell and Jonte organized a helicopter to drop… — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 1, 2025 Footage shows the helicopter hovering in a bright blue sky as petals and bills flutter down, prompting a lot of scrambling on the ground and screams of joy from the unexpected windfall. 'Let me get out and get that money!' a child can be heard shouting. RECOMMENDED VIDEO The generous farewell was organized by Thomas' sons, who said it was their father's dying wish to give back one last time by 'showering the streets' with money. Read More His niece, Crystal Perry, took to Facebook to say her uncle had $5,000 released from the chopper. 'This was a final expression of love from him to the community because he was a giver,' Perry wrote of the business owner, adding that it 'was simply a farewell tribute to an east-side legend.' Editorial Cartoons World Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Toronto Maple Leafs
