The family of Chloe Childress mourns her loss after she was identified as a victim of the Texas Hill Country floods.
HOUSTON — The family of Chloe Childress is mourning the loss of their beloved daughter after she was identified as one of the victims of the catastrophic flooding that tore through the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend.
Childress, a counselor at Camp Mystic, was among the 27 campers and staff members the century-old girls’ camp says it is grieving in the wake of the disaster.
“Chloe Childress lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith,” her family shared in a statement Monday morning.
“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.”
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The family described Childress as someone whose joy and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone around her.
“While we know that her joy is now eternal and her faith has become sight, our hearts are shattered by this loss and the similar heartbreak of other families like ours,” they said.
They also expressed deep gratitude for the support they’ve received during this devastating time, asking for privacy as they grieve.
“We thank you for kindly respecting our privacy as we celebrate Chloe’s life and mourn our incomparable loss.”
On Sunday night, the Kinkaid School, where Childress was a student, shared its own tribute, describing her as “wise beyond her years, with a steady compassion that settled a room.”
Meanwhile, Camp Mystic issued a public statement Monday morning acknowledging the tragedy.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” the camp said.
Authorities continued searching for the missing Monday across Central Texas, where at least 82 people have been confirmed dead. Officials say the death toll is likely to rise.
In Kerr County alone, 68 bodies have been recovered, including 28 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Ten other deaths have been confirmed in surrounding counties.
Gov. Greg Abbott warned that additional rounds of heavy rain were expected through Tuesday, raising the risk of more flooding in already saturated areas. Despite the danger, some families returned to Camp Mystic over the weekend, hoping to find mementos or simply bear witness to the place their loved ones last stood.
This flood has been one of the worst in the region’s recorded history, with survivors recounting terrifying escapes from rising water and rescuers still navigating dangerous, debris-choked terrain in their search for the missing.
As the community continues to reel from the loss, families like the Childresses are leaning on faith, memory, and one another.
“Please know we are grateful for every kind thought, your quietly spoken prayers, and the countless hearts of sympathy that are carrying us through these days,” the family said.
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