News Summary
Following devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country, the San Antonio community is mourning the loss of faculty and students from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Among the confirmed victims are a senior lecturer and two students, whose untimely deaths have left a deep impact on the university family. As the community grapples with this tragedy, university officials are providing support and resources to those affected as they come together to honor the lives lost.
San Antonio Grieves as Community Comes Together After Hill Country Floods
In the vibrant city of San Antonio, a heavy cloud of sorrow hangs over the community following the devastating flooding that struck the Texas Hill Country on July Fourth. The tragedy has cast a long shadow over the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where the loss of cherished faculty members and students has left many heartbroken.
Among the confirmed victims is Psychology Senior Lecturer Katheryn Eads, whose life was tragically cut short by the floods. Eads had only joined UTSA in 2022 but quickly became a beloved figure within the Department of Psychology in the College for Health, Community, and Policy. Her journey at the university led her to become a full-time faculty member in 2025, where she dedicated herself to fostering a love of learning and providing support to her students.
The losses extended further with the heartbreaking confirmation that two students, Ella Cahill and Reese Manchaca, also fell victim to this natural disaster. This marks a heavy milestone as these young lives were cut short, bringing to light an overwhelming need for compassion and community support during such trying times. Sadly, this incident marks the first confirmed death from the San Antonio area connected to this flooding tragedy.
Community Response and Support
As news of these losses spread, UTSA Provost Heather Shipley expressed the university’s deep sorrow, highlighting Eads as an extraordinary educator whose impact on students was profound. This tragic event has reached far beyond the classroom, affecting numerous members of the UTSA family. Many faculty and staff reside or own property in the flood-impacted areas, prompting the university to extend support to those who are suffering from both losses and property damage.
In light of these events, UTSA is actively reaching out to offer assistance and additional resources to students, faculty, and staff who have been affected by the floods. President Taylor Eighmy also conveyed the profound pain that is being felt within the entire university community as they come to terms with these heartbreaking realities.
The Scale of the Tragedy
As reports continue to pour in, the scope of this disaster is becoming clearer. As of recent updates, the devastating floods have claimed the lives of 95 people, including an unsettling 36 children. The total number of lives lost across Central Texas has exceeded the grim milestone of 100, making it essential for communities to come together to provide mutual support and understanding during this distressing time.
Local authorities are currently engaged in ongoing search efforts for individuals who remain missing. The university is in constant communication with these officials to stay abreast of the situation and to ensure that the needs of their community members are met.
Reflection and Remembrance
In honoring the lives lost, UTSA will host a virtual moment of reflection on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., providing a space for the community to come together in solidarity and remembrance. Additionally, an on-campus reflection is scheduled for noon on the following Friday, allowing those affected to gather, share their grief, and honor the victims of this calamity.
As residents of San Antonio continue to navigate the aftermath of this catastrophic event, the strength of community sentiment will surely play a crucial role in the healing process. It is in these moments of tragedy that the true spirit of support, love, and understanding is needed most, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their suffering.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: UTSA Mourns Loss of Faculty Member
- KENS5: UTSA Professor Dies in Texas Floods
- Express News: UTSA Professor’s Life Cut Short
- People: Remembering Professor Katheryn Eads
- Wikipedia: Flood
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.
