College football coach Wade Lytal is desperately attempting to locate his daughter, Kellyanne, who went missing during the catastrophic Texas floods. These devastating floods, which have claimed at least 80 lives in Central Texas, have overwhelmed the region with historic rainfall. Kellyanne, a young camper at Camp Mystic – an all-girls, Christian summer camp – is among at least 10 missing from the camp, including five girls who are reported dead.
The search for Kellyanne and others continues as first responders from across 20 different city, state, and national agencies work tirelessly in the aftermath. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that 400 first responders are currently on mission to locate the 11 girls and one camp counselor who remain missing following the floods. The tragedy has prompted a national response, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott issuing a proclamation declaring a day of prayer to honor the victims and support the families. President Donald Trump, who has been in touch with Governor Abbott, also expressed his sorrow, calling the event a ‘100 year catastrophe’ that ‘happened in seconds.’
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has defended the National Weather Service’s warnings, arguing that these were executed ‘timely’ and ‘precisely’ despite the unprecedented rainfall. The tragedy at Camp Mystic has also drawn attention to the broader impact of the floods across Texas. The camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, is among the deceased, underscoring the severity of the incident. The camp’s director, who died while attempting to save children in the flood, has become a symbol of the heroic efforts being made by first responders.
In addition to the personal tragedy of the Lytal family, the events have sparked widespread grief across Texas and the nation. The community at Trinity University in San Antonio, where Wade Lytal is the offensive coordinator, has also expressed solidarity. The university posted a statement affirming its commitment to support the families of the missing, including Aidan Heartfield ’26, a Trinity marketing major, and Kellyanne Lytal. The university is also working closely with local authorities to provide aid and assistance to those affected by the floods, further highlighting the collective response to the disaster.
As the search continues, the tragedy has rekindled discussions about disaster preparedness, climate change, and the role of public services in mitigating catastrophic events. For now, the focus remains on finding Kellyanne and offering support to families who have lost loved ones. Wade Lytal’s heartfelt plea on social media has become a powerful symbol of the ongoing appeal for a miracle, with widespread prayers being offered for Kellyanne and for the families who are still reeling from this tragedy.