Reece Zunker, a high school soccer coach and teacher, and his wife, Paula, were confirmed dead following the catastrophic floods that struck Kerr County, Texas. The devastating flooding, which occurred on July 4th, claimed the lives of over a dozen campers, with several others still missing, raising the death toll in the region to nearly 70. The Zunker family, who were vacationing at a river house in Hunt, near Camp Mystic, is now in the spotlight as their two children, Lyle and Holland, remain unaccounted for.
Officials from the Kerrville Independent School District released a statement expressing profound sadness at the loss of the school’s beloved teacher and soccer coach. The statement highlighted Reece’s unwavering dedication to his students, athletes, and the Tivy community, noting his significant impact as an educator and mentor. Paula, a former teacher at Tivy, also left a lasting impression on the community through her care and support for students, according to the statement. School officials have called on the public to keep the family in their prayers as the search for the missing children continues.
The tragedy of the floods has extended beyond the Zunker family, with over a dozen campers confirmed dead and a counselor and 11 others still unaccounted for. The Tivy High School boy’s soccer team also released a heartfelt statement in memory of Zunker, calling him a ‘leader and inspiration.’ The team emphasized his role not only as a coach but as a mentor and role model for the students in Kerrville. The loss of such a dedicated individual has left a deep void in the community, with many remembering his passion for his students, players, and colleagues.
According to local reports, the Zunkers were vacationing at a river house in Hunt, and several children are still missing in the area. The floodwaters, which have led to one of the most severe disaster scenarios in Central Texas, continue to pose threats to the remaining missing individuals. The community is rallying together to support the families affected, with the Tivy High School soccer team expressing hope for the safe return of the missing children. As the search and recovery efforts continue, the tragic events of the floods serve as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of such adversity.