News Summary

Kerrville, Texas, is mourning after catastrophic flooding claimed the lives of high school soccer coach Reece Zunker and his wife Paula, leaving their children missing. The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall, impacted the Guadalupe River area, leading to ongoing rescue operations as the community grapples with loss and search efforts for the unaccounted. Local officials encourage prayers and community support as families face heartbreak and uncertainty.

Tragic Floods Strike Kerr County, Claim Lives and Leave Families in Despair

The town of Kerrville, Texas, is reeling from a devastating tragedy following catastrophic flooding that occurred over the Fourth of July weekend. The floods have claimed the lives of beloved high school soccer coach Reece Zunker and his wife Paula, with their two children still unaccounted for and causing heart-wrenching sorrow for their family and community.

A Weekend to Remember Turns Into a Nightmare

What was meant to be a joyful holiday getaway quickly turned into a nightmare for the Zunker family. They were vacationing at a river house in Hunt, Texas, a beautiful spot nestled between Camp La Junta and Camp Mystic. Tragically, family members reported them missing after the floods wreaked havoc on the area, and their bodies were confirmed found shortly thereafter.

The heavy rainfall that occurred on Friday caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly, impacting not only the Zunker family but also numerous summer camps and RV parks along the riverbanks. The aftermath left the town in chaos as local authorities began efforts to find those who remained missing.

Community Mourning and Rescue Efforts

On Saturday, the Tivy Boys Soccer Facebook page shared the devastating news of their loss, expressing deep grief for the coach, mentor, and role model who dedicated his life to the sport and the young athletes he inspired. Zunker had been a cherished member of the Kerrville Independent School District since August 2012, and his contributions to the education community were recognized when he was named the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2024.

As rescue operations are ongoing, the struggle is far from over. Reports indicate that, while many have been found, an alarming number of individuals are still missing—the total of confirmed deaths now stands at 43. Among them are 27 girls from Camp Mystic who have yet to be accounted for. Local government officials, alongside over 1,000 personnel working tirelessly, have been actively engaged in recovery and rescue efforts.

Families across Central Texas are desperate for news, with heartbreaking stories emerging. Many individuals caught in the floods have described desperate situations trying to escape the rising waters. The social media landscape has become a crucial tool for families to share information and connect with those searching for missing loved ones amid this calamity.

Doing What We Can

In light of the overwhelming loss and destruction, local officials are encouraging the community to come together in support of those affected. A call for prayers has been thrown out to help ease the suffering of those who have lost loved ones and to bolster the spirits of those involved in the search and rescue.

The devastation has left behind a landscape of not just broken families but also significant property damage throughout the region. As the community begins to process the tragedies of this flood, individuals are finding strength in each other. Together, they are beginning to grasp what it means to tackle such immense challenges while hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.

The road ahead is undeniably tough for the people of Kerr County. As the search for the Zunker children continues, the community stands united, reminding each other that even in the darkest days, hope can be the light that guides the way forward.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Additional Resources