The family of 19-year-old Chloe Childress is remembering her as a light in their lives after she tragically lost her life in the devastating Texas floods that swept through the state on Friday, July 4.
Childress was among 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp, who were killed during the flash flooding that ravaged parts of the Texas Hill Country.
The disaster has claimed at least 104 lives across the state, with several others still missing, according to the Associated Press and NBC News.
Chloe had recently graduated from The Kinkaid School in Houston and was preparing to begin her first semester at the University of Texas this fall. She had returned to Camp Mystic, a place she deeply cherished, to spend her summer mentoring young girls as a counselor.
In a heartfelt statement shared with FOX affiliate KRIV, her family described Chloe as someone filled with “contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith.”
“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,” her family said. “Our family was shocked to hear of the horrific, tragic flooding in the Hill Country, and we were devastated to learn that our precious Chloe was among the victims.”
They added: “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. We desire to grieve privately during this time and thank so many caring people, in advance, for respecting this wish.”
The family also extended gratitude for the “kind thoughts, quietly spoken prayers, and the countless hearts of sympathy that are carrying us through these days.”
Chloe’s former school community is also mourning her loss. Jonathan Eades, head of The Kinkaid School, remembered her as a compassionate and uplifting presence. “Chloe always made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave,” Eades said, via PEOPLE. “She understood what it meant to be part of a community, and more than that, she helped build one.”
Camp Mystic issued a statement on its website confirming the tragic loss of 27 campers and counselors. “Our hearts are broken alongside the families enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” the camp wrote. “We are praying for them constantly.”
As recovery efforts continue, the camp also shared that 10 campers remain unaccounted for. “We are in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying resources in the search for our missing girls,” the statement said, thanking first responders, officials, and the broader community for their support during this time of grief.