**Tragic Loss: Texas Teacher and Coach Found Dead After Flooding**
**A Texas community mourns the loss of a beloved educator and his wife following devastating floods.**
**URL Slug:** texas-teacher-coach-death-flooding
School officials in Texas announced on Sunday the tragic deaths of Reece Zunker, a dedicated teacher and high school soccer coach, and his wife, Paula, following severe flooding in Kerr County on Friday. The Kerrville Independent School District confirmed the couple’s passing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Zunker, who coached the Tivy High School boys’ soccer team, and Paula, a former teacher at the same school.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our beloved teachers, Reece Zunker, and his wife, Paula, who tragically lost their lives in the flash flood on July 4th,” the district’s statement read. “Reece was a passionate educator and a beloved soccer coach. His unwavering dedication to our students, athletes, and the Tivy community touched countless lives and will never be forgotten.”
Paula Zunker also made a significant impact during her time as a teacher, and her influence continues to resonate within the community. School officials urged the public to keep the Zunker family in their thoughts and prayers, as their two children, Lyle and Holland, remain missing as of Sunday afternoon.
Reports indicate that the family was vacationing at a river house in Hunt, near Camp Mystic, where several children are still unaccounted for. The Tivy boys’ soccer team released a heartfelt statement honoring Zunker, describing him as a “leader and inspiration.” “Coach Reece Zunker was not just a soccer coach; he was a mentor, teacher, and role model for our Kerrville kids,” the team stated on social media. “He rebuilt the soccer program and left a legacy. His passion for his players, students, co-workers, community, and family will never be forgotten.”
Zunker had been teaching at Tivy High School for 12 years. As of Sunday afternoon, Kerr County officials reported that over a dozen campers had been confirmed dead, with one counselor and 11 campers still unaccounted for. The death toll across Central Texas has tragically risen to nearly 70.
In this time of grief, the community reflects on the profound impact of the Zunkers and the importance of supporting one another during such devastating circumstances.
**FAQ**
**What caused the deaths of Reece and Paula Zunker?**
Reece and Paula Zunker tragically lost their lives due to flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, while vacationing at a river house.
