News Summary
The University of Texas at San Antonio mourns the tragic loss of a faculty member and two students following devastating flooding in the Hill Country. This calamity has sent shockwaves through the university community, as it grapples with the impact on friends, family, and the broader community. As authorities report rising casualties, the university affirms its commitment to support those affected and plans events to honor the lost souls during this difficult time.
Tragic Loss at UTSA Following Hill Country Flooding
San Antonio has plunged into a deep state of grief following the devastating Hill Country flooding, which claimed the lives of a beloved faculty member and two promising students from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The confirmation of these tragic losses has sent shockwaves through the university and its community.
Who We Lost
The faculty member lost in this calamity is Katheryn Eads, a senior lecturer in psychology who brought her passion for teaching to UTSA in 2022. Her engaging style and dedication earned her full-time faculty status by 2025. In addition to her important role at the university, she was noted for her ability to connect deeply with her students, transforming their educational experiences into something truly memorable.
The two students, Ella Cahill and Reese Manchaca, initially reported missing, have also been confirmed as victims of this tragedy. Their bright futures and unfulfilled potential represent a profound loss to the community, leaving friends and family heartbroken.
Widespread Impact
The flooding has affected many lives beyond the university. As of Wednesday morning, authorities reported that 95 individuals—comprising 59 adults and 36 children—have lost their lives in these catastrophic events. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha emphasized the staggering number, reminding everyone that the floods were particularly unforgiving.
The aftermath of the floods has also left a number of individuals unaccounted for, including five campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp located along the Guadalupe River. This incident highlights the widespread devastation experienced throughout Central Texas, where over 100 deaths have been associated with this tragedy during the Fourth of July weekend.
University Community in Mourning
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, UTSA President Taylor Eighmy expressed the immense pain felt throughout the university community. This sense of collective grief is felt deeply, as many faculty and staff members at UTSA live or own homes in the areas most severely affected by the floods.
Support and Solidarity
Despite the heavy hearts, UTSA is stepping up to provide assistance and support to those impacted by this disaster. They understand the importance of community during times like these and are making sure that their students, faculty, and staff receive the help they need to cope with this loss.
Honoring the Fallen
In a show of solidarity and remembrance, two special events have been planned for the UTSA community to honor the lost souls. A virtual moment of reflection is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., allowing everyone to come together, even from a distance, to share in their sorrow. Additionally, there will be an on-campus reflection at noon on Friday, marking exactly one week since the floods struck.
As the university community navigates through this difficult time, it’s essential to remember the lives that were so tragically lost and to support one another in healing. The spirit of UTSA is built on togetherness and commitment to each other, and it is now more important than ever to uphold those values.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KHOU: Texas Hill Country Flood Claims Lives
- ABC News: Texas Father Searches for Son in Hill Country Floods
- New York Times: Texas Hill Country Floods
- KSAT: Comfort’s Decision to Install Sirens Credited with Saving Lives
- Click2Houston: Houston Attorney Recounts Final Moments Before Wife Was Swept Away
- Wikipedia: Texas Floods
- Google Search: Texas Floods
- Google Scholar: Texas Floods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Floods
- Google News: Texas Floods
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
