The parents of 8-year-old Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal confirmed to Fox News Digital Friday that Texas Rangers identified her as one of the Camp Mystic girls killed in the Texas Hill Country floods.
The Lytal family described Kellyanne, who went missing on the Fourth of July, as a “shining light in this world.”
“She was kind, fearless, silly, compassionate, and a loving friend to everyone,” the family wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal, 8, died in the Texas Hill Country Floods July 4, 2025.
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They added she “believed deeply in Jesus,” noting they “rejoice in the comfort of knowing she is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior.”
Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian retreat, reported 27 girls missing after the Guadalupe River flooded and waters rushed through the campground.
They are all presumed dead, and first responders continue to search for remains.
“Even though she was taken from us way too early, we thank God for the eight magical years we got to share with her,” the Lytals wrote. “Our family wants to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time. We are forever grateful for the men and women who are assisting in the Search and Rescue efforts.”
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At least 119 people died in the floods, and at least 176 people remain missing, according to officials.
In Kellyanne’s honor, the family established the Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal Memorial Foundation to give to charitable causes that were dear to her heart.
The fund is part of the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a tax-exempt organization.
The Lytal family asked for continued prayers for all the families affected by the tragedy.
Father loses both daughters, parents in Texas Hill Country floods
From left, Mike and Charlene Harber, and sisters Blair and Brooke, died in the Fourth of July floods that devastated parts of Central Texas and claimed the lives of at least 100 people.
Courtesy Photo
Just days after learning his daughters didn’t survive the Texas Hill Country floods, R.J. Harber was dealt another blow, finding out his parents didn’t pull through either.
Blair, Brooke, Charlene and Mike Harber are among the more than 100 people who lost their lives in Kerr County after heavy storms dropped as much as 15 inches of rain in the Central Texas region last week.
“Mike was found and (identified) by DNA confirmation and is being sent home to Dallas, as the girls were,” Jenn DeWalt, a relative, shared on Facebook. “We are asking for continued prayers as RJ, Annie and Jennifer continue to navigate this horrific nightmare, as well as Lisa and Jimmy, Charlene’s siblings. Life slowly continues, but theirs are forever shattered. Only God can provide peace where none exists.”
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TIGHT BOND: Sisters Blair, Brooke Harber found dead with their “hands locked together” after Kerr County flooding
The inundated waterways swept homes off their foundations, leaving residents to find their property miles away. With the death toll at 103 and continuing to rise, the Hill Country floods have been declared one of the worst floods in Texas.
“When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe … there’s a north and a south fork,” said Dalton Rice, Kerrville city manager. “Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you’ll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville.”
The National Weather Service initially predicted rainfall ranging from 5 to 7 inches. However, the deadly weather event dropped more than a trillion gallons of water across the area on the Fourth of July, causing the Guadalupe River to swell, marking its second-highest recorded crest in history.
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS: These people are still missing or confirmed dead in Texas Hill Country floods
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“This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks,” Rice continued. “When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork and within a matter of minutes, it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at the Guadalupe.”
R.J. and his family had taken a trip from Dallas to visit his parents when the tragedy struck. Mike and Charlene Harber lived in the unincorporated community of Hunt in Kerr County.
Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle
“My cousin Charlene has been found,” said DeWalt, in a separate Facebook post Friday night. “She is going home to Dallas and arrangements are being made for a funeral with her husband, Mike. Please continue to pray for all who have yet to be found and continued prayers for the family.”
The family told the Chronicle that the storm woke them up at 3:30 a.m. — a couple of hours after the NWS issued its first warning for a “life-threatening flash flood” for parts of Kerr County that included points west of Kerrville along the Guadalupe River and Camp Mystic at 1:14 a.m.
STILL MISSING: Husband recalls flood waters sweeping cabin into the Guadalupe River, harrowing escape
While R.J. and his wife stayed at his parents’ home, Blair, Blake, Charlene and Mike stayed the night at their neighbor’s house — just five houses down toward the river.
“If they had not woken up to check on the girls, they would have drowned, too,” said Jennifer Harber, R.J.’s sister. “It’s a miracle they got out. They had to break a window and get out immediately. At that point, the water was rising one foot per minute.”
After escaping, R.J. and Annie went next door, hoping to borrow a kayak to save the rest of their family. They woke up five people at two nearby homes and secured the watercraft in the process. Once he jumped in the kayak, R.J. saw whitecaps and realized he was no match for the rapid currents in the Guadalupe River. So he retreated to safety and rejoined the others he helped save.
SURVIVING THE FLOODS: Survivors of Texas floods witnessed homes being swept away, people trapped in cars screaming for help
Support poured in when it was learned that R.J. lost his 11-year-old and 13-year-old daughters, both students at St. Rita Catholic School, after feverishly trying to save them. And that support only grew when word spread about the search and rescue of his parents.
“In this time of deep sorrow, we stay grounded in our faith and united in love,” St. Rita Catholic School officials said in a statement. “We will stand with the Harber family in the days to come, surrounding them with our prayers, compassion and unwavering support. As a community of faith, we hold onto the hope and promise that Christ has defeated death, and that eternal life is waiting for those who love Him.”
Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
Loved ones launched a GoFundMe to help with the costs associated with the funerals of Blair, Brooke, Charlene and Mike. As of Friday, it had raised more than $350,000, surpassing its goal of $275,000.
“We extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contributions and the compassion they embody,” said Vannessa Bovis, co-organizer of the fundraiser. “Your support will help cover the funeral expenses for the four beloved members of the Harber family. Any remaining funds will be directed toward charities designated by the family in honor of Blair, Brooke, Charlene, and Mike, or allocated to the establishment of a foundation or scholarships in their memory, ensuring that their legacy endures through efforts to assist others affected by these tragic floods.”
Quality of Life Reporter
Shakari Briggs is a Quality of Life reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She focuses on issues in the rapidly growing suburbs and surrounding counties.
Before joining the Chronicle in November 2023, Shakari worked for Spectrum News as a digital journalist based in her hometown. She has experience in broadcast reporting and producing as a former multimedia journalist and associate producer. The Dallas native has also worked at small to medium-sized newspapers throughout her career.
Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting.
Young attendees and staff at summer camps are among the victims of flash floods in Texas – along with teachers, a football coach, and a “hero” father who smashed open a window to free his family amid rising water.
At least 121 people have died in the disaster, according to the latest county-by-county tolls published by US media. More than 90 were in the Kerrville area.
At least 27 girls and staff died at one location, Camp Mystic, a Christian summer retreat for girls.
Many of the victims have been identified in the US media by their relatives. Here is what we know so far about those who have been named – many of whom were children.