The heartbreaking search for Mary Kate Jacobe, a 16-year-old girl from Houston who went missing during the catastrophic flooding in Texas Hill Country over the July 4th weekend, has ended in tragedy.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that Mary Kate’s body was recovered, days after she was reported missing near Camp Mystic, where she had been attending a summer session in Hunt, Texas.
The South Fork of the Guadalupe River, which runs alongside the camp, swelled rapidly in the early hours of July 5 due to relentless rainfall, triggering historic flooding across Kerr County. Despite emergency protocols by camp staff, the rapidly rising water proved too overwhelming.
Mary Kate was last seen near the riverbank as conditions worsened. An intensive search followed, involving drones, dive teams, K-9 units, and responders from multiple agencies including Kerr County Emergency Services, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
On Tuesday morning, recovery teams found her body downstream from the camp, confirming the worst fears of her loved ones and the many volunteers who helped in the effort.
Remembering Mary Kate
Mary Kate was described as a vibrant, faith-filled student at a Houston-area high school, active in her church youth group, and beloved by her community. She had attended Camp Mystic for several summers and was deeply connected with fellow campers and counselors.
In a statement, her family expressed both heartbreak and gratitude:
“Mary Kate brought light into every room she entered. We are heartbroken, but we are also thankful to have her back and to begin the process of laying her to rest surrounded by love.”
Camp Mystic also released a statement, calling her “a cherished member of our camp family” and offering grief support for campers and staff.
Community in Mourning
The loss of Mary Kate has deeply affected both the Houston and Hill Country communities. Vigils and memorials are now being planned in her honor, and her school and church have begun organizing ways to support the Jacobe family.
Authorities continue to caution residents about dangerous river conditions as cleanup efforts persist in the flood-affected areas. Meanwhile, the memory of Mary Kate Jacobe’s joyful spirit and kind heart lives on in those who knew and loved her.
Those wishing to help the family are encouraged to contribute to verified fundraisers and support drives organized by her school or church.