Katherine Ferruzzo: 19-Year-Old Camp Mystic Counselor Confirmed Dead After Texas Floods, Hailed as a Hero

With broken hearts and unimaginable sorrow, we share the devastating news that Katherine Ferruzzo, a 19-year-old camp counselor at Camp Mystic, has been confirmed among the victims lost in last week’s catastrophic flooding in Central Texas.

Katherine had been listed among the 11 individuals still missing following the flash floods that tore through the region in the early hours of July 4th. Today, her family confirmed that her body has been found. Their pain, shared by the many lives she touched, is immeasurable.

The Ferruzzo family released a heartfelt statement in the days she remained unaccounted for, saying:

“Our daughter, Katherine Ferruzzo, a counselor in the Bubble Inn cabin at Camp Mystic, remains unaccounted for. We ask for your ongoing prayers as responders search for her and the many other victims of last week’s devastating floods in Central Texas. Katherine has a fierce and loving spirit, and we have no doubt she did all she could to save the lives of the girls in her cabin.”

That spirit—fierce, loving, courageous—is how Katherine will forever be remembered. In a moment of chaos and danger, she stayed with the girls she had come to guide and protect, showing the heart of a true leader and the bravery of someone far beyond her years.

As a counselor in the Bubble Inn cabin, Katherine was more than a summer staff member—she was a role model, a mentor, and a source of comfort to the young campers who looked up to her. Those who knew her describe her as a bright light with an unshakable sense of duty, warmth, and compassion. She brought joy into every space she entered and poured her heart into caring for others.

Katherine’s life was just beginning. A college student full of dreams and ambition, she had chosen to spend her summer shaping the lives of young girls, fostering friendship, faith, and confidence. That choice alone speaks volumes of her character.

As word of her passing spreads, the Camp Mystic community, her hometown, and all those affected by the tragedy are rallying to celebrate her life and honor the profound impact she made in such a short time. Friends, fellow counselors, and former campers have begun sharing stories of her laughter, her leadership, and the deep, enduring kindness she showed in every interaction.

The grief is heavy, but the legacy Katherine leaves behind is powerful. In the face of disaster, she stood firm. In her final moments, she likely did what she had always done: protect, support, and love.

To the Ferruzzo family, and to all who knew and loved Katherine, we extend our deepest condolences. No words can ease the pain of losing someone so special, so full of promise. But we join you in remembering her with reverence, with gratitude, and with the love she so freely gave to others.

Plans for a memorial and ways to support the Ferruzzo family will be shared by Camp Mystic and community members in the days ahead.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Katherine Ferruzzo embodied that love.
She will never be forgotten.

Rest in eternal peace, Katherine.
Your bravery, light, and love continue to shine through all those you inspired.