Chloe Childress was one of the 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors who died in the Texas floods
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- 19-year-old Chloe Childress was one of the 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors who died in the Texas floods
- “While we know that her joy is now eternal and her faith has become sight, our hearts are shattered by this loss and the similar heartbreak of other families like ours,” her family wrote
- 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors died in the Texas floods
A Camp Mystic counselor who died in the Texas floods is being remembered by her family.
According to Fox affiliate KRIV and ABC News, 19-year-old Chloe Childress was one of the 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors who died in the Texas floods.
The Christian girls’ camp faced severe devastation after waters flooded through Texas, on Friday, July 4, as previously reported by PEOPLE.
In a statement to KRIV, Childress’ family remembered her for her “contagious joy, unending grace and abiding faith.”
“Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic,” the statement read.
They added, “Our family was shocked to hear of the horrific tragic flooding in the hill country, and we were devastated to learn that our precious Chloe was among the victims.”
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“While we know that her joy is now eternal and her faith has become sight, our hearts are shattered by this loss and the similar heartbreak of other families like ours,” the statement continued. “We desire to grieve privately during this time and thank so many caring people, in advance, for respecting this wish.”
The family went on to extend their gratitude for “every kind thought, your quietly spoken prayers, and the countless hearts of sympathy that are carrying us through these days.”
“We thank you for kindly respecting our privacy as we celebrate Chloe’s life and mourn our incomparable loss,” they concluded.
“While we know that her joy is now eternal and her faith has become sight, our hearts are shattered by this loss and the similar heartbreak of other families like ours,” the statement continued. “We desire to grieve privately during this time and thank so many caring people, in advance, for respecting this wish.”
The family went on to extend their gratitude for “every kind thought, your quietly spoken prayers, and the countless hearts of sympathy that are carrying us through these days.”
“We thank you for kindly respecting our privacy as we celebrate Chloe’s life and mourn our incomparable loss,” they concluded.
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According to ABC News, the counselor was going to begin her first semester at the University of Texas in the fall after graduating from The Kinkaid School this year.
Per the outlet, the head of The Kinkaid School, Jonathan Eades, said that Childress always “made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave.”
“She understood what it meant to be part of a community, and more than that, she helped build one,” he stated.
Camp Mystic previously announced on their website that 27 campers and counselors died as a result of the flooding.
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“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” the statement read.
“We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls,” the statement continued. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level.”
At this stage, 10 campers are still unaccounted for.
According to the Associated Press and NBC News, at least 104 people have died in the floods so far.
