In Loving Memory of Mary Kathryn Jacobe
Victim of the Camp Mystic Flood – Hunt, Texas
July 2025
With broken hearts and unimaginable grief, we share the devastating news that Mary Kathryn Jacobe, only 8 years old, has been confirmed among the victims of the catastrophic Camp Mystic flood in Hunt, Texas.
What was meant to be a week of joy, growth, and summertime adventure for campers quickly turned into a tragedy of unspeakable magnitude. Torrential rains brought sudden and severe flash flooding to the Guadalupe River area, overwhelming the grounds of Camp Mystic in the early hours of the morning. In the midst of chaos and confusion, the rising waters claimed multiple lives — among them, sweet Mary Kathryn.
A Bright Light Gone Too Soon
Mary Kathryn Jacobe was the very definition of sunshine. With sparkling blue eyes, golden curls, and a laugh that could fill a room, she was the kind of child who left joy in her wake. She loved art and music, butterflies and ballet, and anything pink. She was known for her gentle heart, her endless curiosity, and a courage that belied her young age.
More than anything, Mary Kathryn loved people. She made fast friends everywhere she went — from her schoolmates and teachers at home, to her cabin mates at camp. She had a gift for kindness that came naturally. Whether it was offering her last snack to someone who’d forgotten theirs or wrapping her arms around a friend in tears, Mary Kathryn simply led with love.
Her family describes her as “an angel on earth, a blessing every single day of her life.” She was adored by her parents, treasured by her siblings, and cherished by all who had the joy of knowing her. Her absence leaves a hole that can never be filled — a silence where there was once music and laughter and light.
A Week That Turned Tragic
Camp Mystic, nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River, has long been a beloved haven for girls from across Texas and beyond. It’s a place where friendships are formed, traditions passed down, and confidence built through shared experiences in nature. For Mary Kathryn, this was her first summer at Mystic — a milestone she’d been counting down to for months.
But what began as a dream turned into disaster. In a matter of minutes, a wall of water tore through the camp, catching many by surprise while they slept or tried to flee. Emergency crews and volunteers rushed to the scene, launching heroic rescue efforts, but the speed and severity of the flooding left devastation in its path.
Mary Kathryn, along with several others, was swept away by the floodwaters. Her family held onto hope through the agonizing hours and days that followed, praying for a miracle. But on July 6th, their worst fears were confirmed. Their beautiful little girl was gone.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy at Camp Mystic has shaken the entire state of Texas, and especially the communities connected to the children who were there. Schools, churches, neighbors, and friends are gathering in prayer and remembrance, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the loss.
For Mary Kathryn’s family, the grief is raw and bottomless. They ask for privacy as they begin to navigate the unimaginable. And yet, in their heartbreak, they also ask for prayers — not just for themselves, but for all the families impacted by this disaster.
Vigils have already begun to spring up in their hometown. Candles flicker alongside drawings, photos, and handwritten notes from classmates and teachers who speak of a little girl who made the world better in her own small but mighty way.
Honoring Her Spirit
Though Mary Kathryn’s life was tragically brief, it was full of meaning. She taught others how to be kind, how to be present, and how to love deeply and freely. Her memory will endure — in the butterfly that dances on the breeze, in the laughter of children at play, in the strength of a family held up by community love.
In her honor, a memorial fund is being established to support causes Mary Kathryn would have loved: children’s education, access to the arts, and water safety initiatives. Plans are also underway for a scholarship in her name for future Camp Mystic attendees, ensuring her spirit continues to inspire joy, friendship, and learning for years to come.
Final Words
There are no words to ease the pain of losing someone so young, so radiant, so full of life. But we can carry Mary Kathryn with us — in how we treat each other, in how we cherish every moment, and in how we choose hope even in the darkest times.
Please keep the Jacobe family in your hearts and prayers. Their grief is unimaginable, but they are not alone. They are surrounded by a community that mourns with them, stands with them, and will never forget the sweet soul that was Mary Kathryn Jacobe.