“We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,” the camp said on social media.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — Jane Ragsdale, the cherished director of Camp Heart O’ the Hills in Kerr County, has passed away following devastating floods that struck the area on Friday, as confirmed by the camp in a social media statement.
The camp’s announcement shared, “We have received word that Jane Ragsdale did not make it. We are grieving the loss of a woman who impacted countless lives and truly embodied strength and power.”
The camp said it was not in session when the flooding happened.
“Most of those who were on camp at the time have been accounted for and are on high ground,” they said.
Deadly floods
On Saturday, Kerr County officials confirmed that the floods killed at least 27 people. Nine of those people were children.
Early Friday, from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., the Guadalupe River surged over 26 feet due to a severe, slow-moving storm in the Hill Country. This sudden deluge impacted numerous summer camps, campgrounds, RV parks, and homes along the river. Authorities reported that over 850 individuals were rescued from the floods, with many clinging to trees and waiting hours for help.
“We will not stop until every single person is found,” Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha said. “It’s going to take a while.”
“People need to know today will be a hard day,” Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said during the news conference. “Please pray for our community.”
The mayor says if you want to help the easiest way is to follow the City of Kerrville’s Facebook page.
