HOUSTON, TX — With heavy hearts, the Houston community mourns the tragic loss of 18-year-old Chloe Childress, a recent graduate of The Kinkaid School and beloved summer counselor at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. Chloe’s life was cut short over the July 4th weekend when flash floods ravaged Kerr County and swept through the grounds of the girls’ camp where she had worked to mentor and uplift younger campers.

She was among at least 11 lives lost at Camp Mystic, part of a broader tragedy that claimed dozens across the state. Officials reported that the Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet in less than an hour—a historic and catastrophic rise that left devastation in its wake.

A Heart Built for Service

Chloe was preparing to begin her studies at the University of Texas at Austin this fall, where she planned to major in psychology—a field that spoke to her deep care for others and her belief in the quiet power of empathy.

“She wanted to understand people better so she could help them feel less alone,” said a former teacher. “That was Chloe. Always looking out for someone else.”

During her time at The Kinkaid School, Chloe was a beacon of integrity and compassion. She served as co-president of the school’s Honor Council, a leader on the varsity cross-country team, and the founder of “Bridge & Bloom,” a student club focused on volunteering with senior citizens—an effort that began as a small gesture and grew into a school-wide movement.

“She showed up for others in ways that felt simple, but that carried so much weight,” recalled Head of School Jonathan Eades. “Whether it was sitting beside a friend on a hard day, or walking a first-grader back to class, Chloe made people feel seen. That was her superpower.”

Tragedy at Camp Mystic

Chloe had returned to Camp Mystic not just as a job, but as a calling. A former camper herself, she had dreamed of becoming a counselor since she was a child. Friends say she was especially excited to be working with younger girls this summer—many of whom looked up to her as a big sister.

When the floodwaters surged through the camp late at night, Chloe reportedly worked to keep her campers calm and safe, embodying the same quiet strength she had always shown. Her final moments, while heartbreaking, are believed to have been marked by the same selfless commitment to others that defined her life.

A Legacy of Love

In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from classmates, faculty, campers, and parents alike. On social media, friends have shared stories of Chloe’s infectious laugh, her handwritten notes of encouragement, and her unwavering loyalty.

“She was the kind of friend you could call in the middle of the night,” one classmate wrote. “The kind of person who made you feel like you mattered.”

The University of Texas has acknowledged her passing and extended condolences to her family, offering to honor her memory during orientation ceremonies. Meanwhile, The Kinkaid School has announced the creation of the Chloe Childress Legacy of Service Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a student who exemplifies Chloe’s empathy, leadership, and heart for others.

Moving Forward With Her Spirit

Chloe is survived by her parents, two younger brothers, and a wide circle of extended family and friends. Her family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but shared through a written statement that “Chloe lived every day with purpose and grace. We are devastated, but we are so proud of who she was.”

A memorial service is being planned for later this month, and a candlelight vigil will be held at The Kinkaid School campus this weekend, where students and faculty will gather to celebrate the life of a young woman who gave so much in such a short time.

A Light That Endures

Though her time on Earth was brief, Chloe Childress leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. Her compassion, her courage, and her unfailing kindness are the marks of a life lived fully—and a spirit that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

As the waters recede and Texas begins the long road to healing, Chloe’s memory stands as a reminder of what it means to live with heart: to lift others, to lead with love, and to always, always show up for one another