Editor’s Note: We have updated the article to remove some language that may have been inadvertently retraumatizing for those close to Reese. We sincerely apologize to members of the family for any trauma that may have occurred as a result of the initial reporting.
Caney Creek High School alumna Claire Reese Manchaca died following the major flash flood in Kerr County on July 4. After a three day search, three family members confirmed the search was over in a series of Facebook posts Monday, July 7.
Reese graduated high school in 2022, then enrolled at the University of Texas in San Antonio for architecture. With her UTSA friends, Reese, Ella Cahill, Joyce Badon and Aidan Heartfield planned to celebrate the Fourth of July in a house belonging to Heartfield’s father along the Guadalupe River. At 4:03 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a flood warning; 45 minutes later, cars were already being swept away.
During the search, Reese’s mother, Miro Stafford, who works in the District Finance Department, stayed in a nearby motel with her family until they located Reese. As the community rallied to Stafford’s efforts, providing food and supplies, their donations went beyond physical. Reese’s Instagram comments filled with hopeful messages from strangers and friends.
Responders found Reese in the Hunt area. Reese’s cousin, Kami Evermore, was the first to publicly announce Reese’s death in an updated Facebook post.
“Reese is now with God,” Evermore wrote. “Thank you all who have sent prayers up for our family. Please continue to pray for other families who are waiting for the location and identification of their families during this tragic time.”
Caney Creek High School alumna Claire Reese Manchaca remains missing since July 4 after the Kerrville flood waters rose 26 feet in 45 minutes at their Hunt cabin around 5 a.m. They were last seen near 1769 State Highway 39 across from Japonica Hills Road.
The flooding began around 4 a.m. Friday, dumping up to 15 inches (38 cm) and overflowing the Guadalupe River more than 20 feet by 4:45 a.m.; Hunt received 6.5 inches of rainfall in just three hours. Ongoing rescues report over 50 deaths, including 15 children, but already evacuated 850.
The search for Manchaca continues into the third day, along with Kelly High School graduates Aidan Heartfield, Ella Cahill and Joyce Badon. The home belonged to Heartfield’s father Thad Heartfield. The last string of contact was around 4 a.m. between Joyce and Thad Heartfield.
According to Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, Montgomery County has several agencies on the ground currently assisting in rescue operations. In the meantime of the search, Manchaca’s family is staying in a nearby motel.
Machaca’s family chose not to be interviewed for the story at this time.
Keough encouraged supporters to donate to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country in charge of rebuilding and relief efforts.
“Our hearts are with our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country as they begin the long road to recovery after devastating flooding,” Keough wrote. “In times like these, Texans show up, because that’s who we are.”
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