A Family Lost, A Community Forever Changed: The Tragic Deaths of Reece Zunker and His Family in the Kerr County Floods

In one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies to strike Kerr County, Texas, the lives of Reece Zunker, his wife Paula, and their two young children—Holland, 3, and Lyle, 7—were claimed in the catastrophic flash floods that ravaged the region on July 4, 2025. The family’s deaths have sent shockwaves through the community, leaving an indelible void that cannot be filled.

The sudden loss of a beloved soccer coach, his wife, and their children has left not only Kerrville ISD but the entire town in mourning. Reece Zunker was more than just a coach—he was a mentor, a teacher, and a father who inspired all those who knew him. But the full weight of this tragedy goes beyond the personal grief of the Zunker family—it serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters that often feel out of our control.

The Zunkers: A Family of Love, Dedication, and Service

Reece Zunker’s story is one of passion, commitment, and an unwavering desire to give back to his community. The Tivy High School boys’ soccer coach and math teacher had built his life on service—from his work as an educator to his deep involvement with students and athletes alike. His commitment to shaping young lives on and off the field was evident to anyone who knew him.

Zunker’s journey into coaching began in college, where he discovered his passion for mentoring others through his volunteer work with the Uvalde High School football team. His dedication to helping others grow continued when he began teaching and coaching in Kerrville ISD in 2012. By 2024, Zunker had earned the title of Secondary Teacher of the Year for the district, an accolade that reflected the high esteem in which he was held by colleagues and students alike.

But Reece’s influence extended far beyond the classroom and soccer field. His role as a father was central to everything he did, and he was deeply proud of his family. Reece’s wife, Paula, a former teacher at Tivy High School, shared in his dedication to the community. The two worked tirelessly to support their children and the many young lives they touched. Paula’s impact on her students, much like Reece’s, continued to be felt long after she left her teaching post.

The Heartbreak of Loss: A Family Torn Apart

The tragic events that unfolded on the Fourth of July left the entire community in disbelief. As the Guadalupe River swelled to dangerous levels, the Zunker family—like so many others—found themselves trapped by rising floodwaters.

According to reports, the Zunkers had been at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located along the river. Reece and Paula’s children, Holland and Lyle, were staying with their grandparents at the camp when disaster struck. The family’s desperate attempts to escape were unsuccessful. While Reece and Paula’s parents narrowly escaped the surging waters, Blair and Brooke’s attempts to save their daughters were tragically thwarted by the flood’s force. By the time rescuers arrived, it was too late. Tragically, their bodies were found hours later.

The Harrowing Image: The final image of Blair and Brooke’s lifeless hands, still gripping their rosaries, sent a haunting wave of grief through all who heard their story. For a nation that had already seen the devastation wrought by the flood, this particular loss felt especially crushing—a reminder of just how fragile life is when faced with nature’s fury.

Reece Zunker: A Coach Who Inspired All

Reece Zunker’s legacy in Kerrville will not be defined by the tragedy of his death but by the impact he made in the lives of the young people he helped shape. As the head coach of Tivy High’s boys’ soccer team, Reece rebuilt the program from the ground up, instilling not only technical skill but also a sense of pride and purpose in his players. His influence was felt far beyond the soccer field.

The Tivy Soccer team’s Instagram post following his death captured the essence of what Reece meant to the students, athletes, and parents in Kerrville:

“Coach Reece Zunker was not just a soccer coach. He was a mentor, teacher, and a role model for our Kerrville kids. He rebuilt the soccer program and left a legacy.”

The team’s tribute to him included a message that many fans of soccer will recognize: “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, a reference to Liverpool FC, the team Reece loved. This sentiment speaks volumes—not only was he a coach, but a father figure who left behind a community forever marked by his guidance and spirit.

The Community Response: Love and Loss, United

As the news of the Zunkers’ deaths spread, the grief in Kerrville was palpable. In a statement from Kerrville ISD, Reece was remembered as a passionate educator and coach who touched countless lives, while his wife Paula was celebrated for the care and compassion she shared with her students.

But the public mourning didn’t stop there. Maci Cottingham, a sports reporter for the Kerrville Daily Times, described Reece as someone who radiated kindness and support—qualities that were as much a part of his coaching as they were of his role as a father.

“Reece was a constant source of support who radiated passion, kindness, and a deep love for his community,” Cottingham wrote. “He encouraged his students to take risks, to believe in themselves, and to chase success both on and off the field.”

Reece’s death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of his students, players, and everyone who knew him. But the community has rallied together to honor his memory, with local officials, students, and families uniting to support one another in the wake of this devastation.

A Legacy Remembered: The Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation

The tragic deaths of the Zunkers highlight the fragile nature of life, but also the importance of legacy. In a touching and poignant move, the Zunker family has announced the creation of the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation to honor the lives of those lost.

The foundation will focus on supporting children with special needs and learning differences, a cause Katherine Ferruzzo deeply believed in. The family’s decision to channel their grief into something positive speaks to the resilience and strength of the community that Reece and Paula loved.

Their legacy—like the love and care they provided to others—will not be forgotten. Even as they have passed, the lessons of compassion, resilience, and community will continue to shape the lives of those who loved them.

The Lasting Impact of Reece and Paula Zunker

While the community and Kerrville ISD mourn the loss of Reece, Paula, and their children, the family’s spirit lives on in the lives they touched. Reece’s passion for teaching, his relentless drive to rebuild the soccer program, and his love for his family will forever be etched in the hearts of the young people he inspired.

For the children and young athletes who were fortunate enough to know him, Reece Zunker’s impact goes far beyond his coaching record—it lies in the example he set, not only as a coach but as a father who dedicated his life to others.

Conclusion: The Power of Community and Family

In a time of unimaginable grief, the Zunker family’s strength, support, and the legacy of Reece and Paula will continue to live on. Their story, though tragic, serves as a reminder that true greatness lies not in the accolades we achieve, but in the lives we touch and the love we leave behind. As the community continues to recover, one thing remains clear: Reece Zunker’s spirit will never fade, and the love he and his family gave will continue to inspire for years to come.

As we reflect on their legacy, let us remember to cherish the ones we hold dear, to support each other in times of crisis, and to never forget that even in the darkest moments, love and community have the power to heal.