Who is Chloe Childress? Camp Mystic counselor from Houston dies

July 8, 2025 – Houston, TX & Hunt, TX: The state of Texas is mourning the loss of Chloe Childress, a 19-year-old counselor from Houston who tragically lost her life in the Guadalupe River flash floods that struck Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, over the July 4th weekend.

Chloe was among the victims of a sudden and deadly rise in the Guadalupe River’s water level, which overwhelmed the camp where she was working as a summer counselor—a place she had loved deeply for years.

Chloe Childress was a proud Houstonian. She graduated in 2024 from The Kinkaid School, one of the city’s most prestigious private schools. Known for her strong leadership and kind spirit, Chloe made a mark on the Kinkaid community that will not soon be forgotten.

During her time at Kinkaid, Chloe was:

• Co-president of the Honor Council

• A dedicated member of the varsity cross-country team

• Founder of the Senior Citizen Club, an outreach group aimed at supporting local elderly residents

Her educators described her as someone who “showed up with heart” and “made others feel seen.” She was recognized not just for academic and extracurricular excellence but also for her compassion and integrity.

On the Brink of a New Chapter

Chloe was just weeks away from beginning her freshman year at the University of Texas at Austin, where she had planned to study this fall. Her family said she was excited to start this next chapter and was hoping to continue her work in community outreach and youth mentoring.

She chose to return to Camp Mystic—a Christian summer camp for girls—because of the lasting impact it had on her as a camper. She was working there as a counselor when the floodwaters surged unexpectedly in the early morning hours of July 5, 2025.

A Tragedy at Camp Mystic

According to officials and news reports, torrential rains caused a significant flash flood that hit the Guadalupe River. In a matter of minutes, water levels rose dramatically. The camp, located right along the riverbank in the Texas Hill Country, was hit hard.

While emergency teams worked swiftly to evacuate campers and staff, Chloe was swept away by the flooding, along with others in nearby cabins. Her body was found after an extensive search conducted by state and local authorities.

She was one of at least nine victims reported in what is now considered one of the deadliest flash floods to hit the region in years.

Family, Friends & Legacy

Chloe is survived by:

• Her mother, Wendie Childress

• Her father, Matthew Childress

• Her brother, Jack Childress

In public statements and tributes, Chloe’s family described her as a light-filled soul who lived with joy, grace, and a deep-rooted faith. She was known for her quick smile, her endless curiosity, and her desire to uplift those around her.

Kinkaid School Headmaster Jonathan Eades said in a letter to students and parents: “Chloe had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved. Her resilience inspired others. Her joy reminded all of us to keep showing up with heart, even in difficult times.”

Friends shared that she often left notes of encouragement for classmates, volunteered her free time without seeking recognition, and led through quiet strength.

Online Presence

While Chloe was active within her community, her social media footprint was modest. There is no verified public Instagram account tied to her name. Her LinkedIn profile reportedly included academic leadership roles and community service achievements, but it has not been shared publicly by her family or school.

A Life That Touched Many

Though Chloe’s life was brief, it was deeply impactful. From mentoring younger students to helping elderly neighbors, from training with her cross-country team to comforting homesick campers, she consistently made space for others.

In many ways, Chloe embodied what it means to live with purpose and humility. Her story has inspired calls for improved flood safety in Texas, and her memory is already being honored through memorials and prayer services in Houston and Hunt.

Final Thoughts

Chloe Childress leaves behind a legacy of service, joy, and heart-centered leadership. Her untimely death reminds us of both the fragility of life and the power one young person can have to inspire, uplift, and lead with grace.

Who is Chloe Childress? Wikipedia

• Name: Chloe Childress

• Age: 19

• Hometown: Houston, Texas

• School: The Kinkaid School (Class of 2024)

• University: Incoming freshman at UT Austin

• Role: Camp counselor at Camp Mystic

• Date of Passing: July 5, 2025

• Cause of Death: Flash flood in Hunt, Texas

• Survived by: Parents Wendie and Matthew, brother Jack