Latest news with #ChloeChildress
New York Times
20 hours ago
- General
- New York Times
Texans Offer a Hand and Open Their Hearts as Flood Death Toll Grows
Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic who died in the Central Texas floods last weekend, was a force of spontaneity who embraced every moment, family and friends said on Saturday at a memorial service in Houston. Whether it was goofing off in a locker room, going all out to win a school award, or concocting ideas to try to meet Taylor Swift, she was, her friend Bennett Bowman said, 'a girl who was 100 percent heart.' In Kerrville, Texas, Sally Sample Graves, who was 91 when she died in the flood in Ingram, received praise for how she looked out for her 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. 'She wouldn't buy dryer sheets for herself because they cost too much, but she helped every one of us grandchildren pay for college,' her granddaughter Laura Scott said at a funeral. Across Texas this weekend, as the death toll from the flooding grew to 129 and a legion of workers kept up their search for the missing, the loved ones of victims paid tribute at services while wrestling with the emptiness left behind. 'This is as terrible as you think it is,' Ms. Childress's father, Matthew, said. Officials on Saturday said the number of deaths from the flooding in Kerr County had risen to 103 — 67 adults and 36 children — and that 161 people were still missing. The number of fatalities in nearby counties remained unchanged on Saturday. The outpouring of grief and sympathy only grew. At a funeral in Kerrville for an 8-year-old girl who was at Camp Mystic, hundreds of people wore green and pink in honor of the child's favorite colors. (Green was also the color of Camp Mystic.) Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Heartbreaking photo of dead & missing girls in Texas floods emerges as death toll reaches 105 – & MORE floods are feared
A DEVASTATING photo showing the smiling faces of the Camp Mystic girls has become the symbol of the Texas floods as the death toll climbs to 105. The entire group from the Bubble Inn cabin — 13 girls and two counselors — were swept away when a wall of water slammed through the summer camp. 5 5 5 5 5 Camp Mystic confirmed 27 campers and counselors have died in the disaster, with four still missing. Among the lost are some of the camp's youngest attendees, aged just eight and ten. The Bubble Inn cabin sat just 500 feet from the Guadalupe River, where the floodwaters hit hardest over the July Fourth weekend. So far, 10 girls and 18-year-old counselor Chloe Childress have been found dead. The camp's director, Richard 'Dick' Eastland, died trying to save the children. Katherine Ferruzzo, another counselor, and campers Molly DeWitt, Ellen Getten, and Abby Pohl remain missing. Among the victims were eight-year-olds Renee Smajstrla and Sarah Marsh, nine-year-olds Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, and 13- and 11-year-old sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, whose bodies were found 'with their hands locked together' 15 miles downstream. 'We are beyond devastated and so heartbroken,' their aunt, Jennifer Harber, said. A desperate search is still underway in Texas as rescuers scour the wreckage for the dozens still missing. The Guadalupe River, swollen by torrential rains, burst its banks early Friday, sweeping through camps, homes, and entire communities across Central Texas. At least 28 children are among the dead, and 41 people remain unaccounted for, with frantic families clinging to hope. As rescuers enter their fifth day of searches, brave crews refuse to give up hope that survivors are waiting to be saved. What we know so far... Torrential rain sparked deadly flash flooding around the Guadalupe River At least 105 people lost their lives, mostly in Kerr County, and rescue teams continue to search for survivors Families of some Camp Mystic girls have confirmed their deaths A woman was rescued after being washed 20 miles downstream Two brothers told of their brave escape from a flooded cabin The victims include the niece of the Kansas City Chiefs' owners, a dad who died while saving his wife and kids, and a beloved high school coach "We will never presume they're dead," Jake Stovall, the founder of Gulf Search and Rescue, told CNN and vowed to keep working the scene for up to 15 days. It comes as five million people across Central Texas remain under flood watch as more floods are feared. Governor Greg Abbott said more flooding is likely, though not expected to match the devastation seen in Kerrville. President Trump is set to visit Texas on Friday, though his administration has come under fire amid claims that National Weather Service staffing cuts may have delayed warnings. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is demanding an investigation into whether vacancies and outdated systems contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, called the accusations 'a depraved lie,' insisting the NWS 'did its job' and the floods were 'an act of God.'
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Heartbreaking photo of dead & missing girls in Texas floods emerges as death toll reaches 104 – & MORE floods are feared
FLOOD DISASTER Heartbreaking photo of dead & missing girls in Texas floods emerges as death toll reaches 104 – & MORE floods are feared Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DEVASTATING photo showing the smiling faces of the Camp Mystic girls has become the symbol of the Texas floods as the death toll climbs to 104. The entire group from the Bubble Inn cabin — 13 girls and two counselors — were swept away when a wall of water slammed through the summer camp. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The 13 girls and two counsellors at Camp Mystic all tragically died in the floods 5 Teams continue rescue and recovery operations as dozens are still missing 5 Campists' belongings lie on the ground following flooding on the Guadalupe River, at Camp Mystic Credit: Getty 5 Firefighters from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, left, aid in search and rescue efforts near the Guadalupe River Credit: AP 5 A woman cries during a vigil for the victims of the floods at Travis Park in San Antonio, Texas Credit: AFP Camp Mystic confirmed 27 campers and counselors have died in the disaster, with four still missing. Among the lost are some of the camp's youngest attendees, aged just eight and ten. The Bubble Inn cabin sat just 500 feet from the Guadalupe River, where the floodwaters hit hardest over the July Fourth weekend. So far, 10 girls and 18-year-old counselor Chloe Childress have been found dead. The camp's director, Richard 'Dick' Eastland, died trying to save the children. Katherine Ferruzzo, another counselor, and campers Molly DeWitt, Ellen Getten, and Abby Pohl remain missing. Among the victims were eight-year-olds Renee Smajstrla and Sarah Marsh, nine-year-olds Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, and 13- and 11-year-old sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, whose bodies were found 'with their hands locked together' 15 miles downstream. 'We are beyond devastated and so heartbroken,' their aunt, Jennifer Harber, said. A desperate search is still underway in Texas as rescuers scour the wreckage for the dozens still missing. The Guadalupe River, swollen by torrential rains, burst its banks early Friday, sweeping through camps, homes, and entire communities across Central Texas. At least 28 children are among the dead, and 41 people remain unaccounted for, with frantic families clinging to hope. As rescuers enter their fifth day of searches, brave crews refuse to give up hope that survivors are waiting to be saved. What we know so far... Torrential rain sparked deadly flash flooding around the Guadalupe River At least 104 people lost their lives, mostly in Kerr County, and rescue teams continue to search for survivors Families of some Camp Mystic girls have confirmed their deaths A woman was rescued after being washed 20 miles downstream Two brothers told of their brave escape from a flooded cabin The victims include the niece of the Kansas City Chiefs' owners, a dad who died while saving his wife and kids, and a beloved high school coach "We will never presume they're dead," Jake Stovall, the founder of Gulf Search and Rescue, told CNN and vowed to keep working the scene for up to 15 days. It comes as five million people across Central Texas remain under flood watch as more floods are feared. Governor Greg Abbott said more flooding is likely, though not expected to match the devastation seen in Kerrville. President Trump is set to visit Texas on Friday, though his administration has come under fire amid claims that National Weather Service staffing cuts may have delayed warnings. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is demanding an investigation into whether vacancies and outdated systems contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, called the accusations 'a depraved lie,' insisting the NWS 'did its job' and the floods were 'an act of God.' Read our Texas floods blog for the latest updates...
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Texas flooding victims: From campers to parents, what we know about the lives lost
Young campers at Camp Mystic and a dad saving his family were among the more than 100 people killed in the historic flash floods that tore through central Texas over the holiday weekend. Here's what we know about the lives lost: Chloe Childress, a counselor at Camp Mystic, was set to attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall. She "lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith," her family said in a statement. "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." Jonathan Eades, the head of The Kinkaid School, from which she graduated earlier this year, remembered Childress as someone who had a "remarkable way of making people feel seen" and "steady compassion that settled a room." "Whether it was sharing her own challenges to ease someone's burden or quietly cheering a teammate or classmate through a tough day, Chloe 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," Eades wrote in a letter to the school community. Childress "lost her life upholding this selfless and fierce commitment to others," Eades said. "A loyal and beloved friend to all who knew her, Chloe led with empathy. Her honesty gave others the courage to speak up. Her resilience helped others push through. Her joy, so present in all the little things, reminded all who knew her to keep showing up with heart," he said. Jane Ragsdale was the director of the Heart O' the Hills Camp for Girls. "We at the camp are stunned and deeply saddened by Jane's death," Heart O' the Hills Camp said in a statement. "She embodied the spirit of Heart O' the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop with the girls entrusted to us each summer." Julian Ryan, 27, died after trying to help his family escape their trailer home in Ingram, according to his sister, Connie Salas. Ryan and his fiancée woke up early Friday to ankle-deep water inside their home, and within moments, the water surged to waist level, she said. As their mattress began to float, the couple placed their 13-month-old and 6-year-old sons on top for safety, Salas said. The bedroom door, swollen shut from water pressure, would not open. In a desperate attempt to escape, Ryan tried to break a window and suffered a severe cut to his arm, Salas said. He began to bleed profusely, Salas said, and as the water rose to their chins, Ryan's mother shouted for help. Ryan lost consciousness before help could arrive, she said. "I love you. I'm so sorry," were Ryan's last words to his fiancée when he realized he wasn't going to survive, the family said. "He didn't die in vain," Salas told ABC News. "He died a hero." Katheryn Eads and her husband were camping in an RV when they got separated in the floodwaters, her daughter said. "Dr. Katheryn Eads lived a fulfilling life, cut far too short," the Eads family said in a statement. "She was an incredible wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and person who spent her life helping kids, from those in the foster care system early in her career to those in school, both in early education as a psychologist and in college as a professor. Trying to figure out our lives without her is a possibility we never planned to face and we will always miss her." Camp Mystic victims Hanna Lawrence and Rebecca Lawrence were 8-year-old twin sisters from Dallas. Their 14-year-old sister, Harper, survived the flooding, their family said. "It has been an unimaginable time for all of us," their grandfather, David Lawrence Jr., said. "Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten." Dick Eastland, who served as the longtime director of Camp Mystic with his wife, died trying to save the lives of his campers, according to public officials. "If he wasn't going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way, saving the girls that he so loved and cared for," his grandson, George Eastland, wrote on Instagram. "A husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to thousands of young women, he no longer walks this earth, but his impact will never leave the lives he touched." He called his grandfather a "dear friend, fishing buddy, hunting guide, golf partner, avid Texas Longhorns fanatic, my #1 fan, and above all else: a hero." "What I'll take most from you is your positive attitude, servant heart, and ability to remain faithful in the toughest of times," George Eastland wrote. "Through battling cancer to the death of your son James, you showed me what a strong Christian man looks like. You loved others when they didn't love you back, and were so quick to help out when anyone at camp had the slightest inconveniences. Although I am devastated, I can't say I'm surprised that you sacrificed your life with the hopes of someone else's being saved." MORE: At least 27 dead at Camp Mystic as officials say they were caught off guard by storm He "made everyone feel safe and seen," former Camp Mystic counselor Ryan Robinson told ABC News Live. "He is just truly the most selfless, kind, father figure to thousands of girls," Robinson said. "I had the privilege of teaching the fishing class with him at Camp Mystic, and those are truly some of my favorite life memories. I felt lucky every single day that I got to talk to Dick." Anne Margaret Bellows, 8, was a camper at Camp Mystic, her mom, Patricia Bellows, told Houston ABC station KTRK. "For those who knew her, she was a radiant joy. She was just a lot of fun and kind," she said. Patricia Bellows said she was grateful for camp director Dick Eastland and the counselors who sacrificed their lives to try to save their campers. They "loved our children and protected them until the very end," she said. Sarah Marsh, 8, of Mountain Brook, Alabama, was a camper at Camp Mystic, Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch said. "This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community. Sarah's passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her," the mayor said in a statement. Alabama Sen. Katie Britt wrote on social media that she's "keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time." MORE: Texas flooding live updates Janie Hunt, 9, was also among the victims. Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter said Janie was cousins with his granddaughters, who survived the flooding. "God of grace & comfort, we thank you for our precious little niece, Janie Hunt. Thank you for the special place she held in all our hearts," Janie's aunt, Libby Hunt, wrote on social media. "We thank you for the love in which she was born and for the care in which she was given by her loving parents." "As we remember times of love & laughter, we thank you for the sweet love we all shared with darling, little Janie," she continued. "We continue to pray for, Camp Mystic, The Hill Country & for those that have passed away & their families & those that are still missing." MORE: Texas flooding timeline: How rapidly rising waters killed dozens Sisters Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, who were staying with their family near the Guadalupe River, were in the loft of their cabin with their rosaries when the flooding began, according to the St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas. The sisters' bodies were found together 15 miles away the next day. Blair, a rising eighth grader, "had the kindest heart and loved to serve others," the St. Rita Catholic Community said in a statement. She was an "outstanding student" who took advanced classes, the statement said, and she "served as a Student Ambassador, proudly guiding prospective families through the school." She participated in yearbook, speech and drama, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse and cheerleading, the statement said, and was planning to audition for the lead role in the eighth grade play. Brooke, a rising sixth grader, was also an "excellent student" and was an "accomplished soccer, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse player," the statement said. "She, too, loved speech and drama and had a particular gift for improv that brought smiles and laughter to those around her," the statement said. "Brooke never met a stranger and loved everyone she met." Reece Zunker, a soccer coach and teacher in Kerrville, Texas, and his wife, Paula Zunker, both died in the flooding, according to the Kerrville Independent School District. Their children were reported missing, the district said. Reece Zunker's soccer team called him a "mentor, teacher and a role model" who "rebuilt the soccer program and left a legacy." "Reece was a passionate educator and a beloved soccer coach," the school district said in a statement. "His unwavering dedication to our students, athletes, and the Tivy community touched countless lives and will never be forgotten. Paula, a former Tivy teacher, also left a lasting mark on our community. The care and impact she shared with her students continue to be felt, even years later." Jeff Wilson, a high school teacher of three decades in Humble, Texas, died in the floods, and his wife and son were reported missing, his brother-in-law said, according to the Humble Independent School District. Wilson "was a beloved teacher and co-worker to many and will be deeply missed," the school district said. "Please continue to keep their entire family, and ours, in your prayers." Mary Kathryn Jacobe, 8, was also at Camp Mystic when she died in the flooding, her family told KTRK. John Burgess, 39, was camping with his family near the Guadalupe River when he died in the flooding, his family told KTRK. His wife and two sons are unaccounted for, the family said. ABC News' Camilla Alcini, Christopher Looft and Gabrielle Vinick contributed to this report.
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Climate
- Sky News AU
Haunting photo shows Camp Mystic campers just days before every girl was swept away by Texas floods
The girls in the 'Bubble Inn' cabin started June 29 at Camp Mystic with great-big smiles. A photo shows all 13 girls and two counselors in spotless white dresses and skirts and white sneakers, beaming at the camera. Less than five days later every person in the photo was swept away by the Texas flash floods. Tragedy began around 4 a.m. Friday as the girls were sleeping just a few hundred feet from the Guadalupe River. The bodies of 10 of the girls, ages 8 and 9, have been recovered, along with counselor Chloe Childress, 18. Three girls and counselor Katherine Ferruzzo, 19, have not been found. The rising third and fourth graders, as the youngest campers, were housed in the flatlands — closest to the river, with some cabins just 225 feet from the bank. The older girls stayed on higher ground on 'Senior Hill.' After a freak rain storm dumped a month's worth of rain on the Texas Hill Country in just two hours, the Guadalupe rose 20 feet in a matter of minutes, cresting upstream in Hunt, Texas around 6:30 a.m. The camp with 750 girls — a storied Christian sleep-away destination for some of Texas' most elite families in Houston, Dallas and Austin — now counts 27 victims dead, with 10 girls, plus Ferruzzo, missing. Most victims are young girls from the flatlands cabins. Photos of inside a nearby cabin, the Handy Hut, shows the water rose nearly to the top of the door frame before receding. In all, more than 100 people have been confirmed dead in the flash flooding that terrorized Kerr County over the weekend, with the statewide death toll hitting 95. Among the dead at Camp Mystic is the camp's owner, Richard 'Dick' Eastland. He tried to rescue the campers at Bubble Inn, his son told the Washington Post, but waters from the river and another creek rushed in from both sides, leaving no escape for anyone. Searchers found Eastland's body along with the remains of three girls inside a black SUV. 'It made like a swirl right around those cabins like a toilet bowl,' camp employee Craig Althaus told the outlet. Camp counselor Childress also died while desperately trying to rescue the girls in her care. She upheld a 'selfless and fierce commitment to others,' Jonathan Eades, head of school at Kinkaid School in Houston, from which Chloe had just graduated, wrote in a statement. Tragedy in the Bubble Inn cabin Found dead: Margaret Bellows, 8 Lila Bonner, 9 Janie Hunt, 9 Lainey Landry Sarah Marsh, 8 Linnie McCown, 8 Wynne Naylor, 8 Eloise Peck, 9 Renee Smajstria, 9 Mary Stevens, 8 Chloe Childress, 18 Still missing: Molly DeWitt, 9 Ellen Getten, 8 Abby Pohl Katherine Ferruzzo, 19 Originally published as Haunting photo shows Camp Mystic campers just days before every girl was swept away by Texas floods
