The Trinity University football family faces unimaginable heartbreak. Eight-year-old Kellyanne Lytal, daughter of Tigers offensive coordinator Wade Lytal, was confirmed dead Friday night following the catastrophic flooding that devastated the Texas Hill Country. Her loss has left an entire community searching for words that don’t exist.
How Did the Texas Floods Claim Kellyanne Lytal’s Life?
The Texas football community is mourning the tragic death of 8-year-old Kellyanne. She was among the victims of the catastrophic flooding that swept through the Texas Hill Country in early July 2025.
She had been attending Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian summer camp located in Hunt, Texas, when the Guadalupe River quickly rose and overran the area. The rushing waters turned what should have been a safe summer experience into a nightmare that claimed multiple lives.
Trinity University released a statement expressing support for the Lytal family, saying, “Our entire community grieves with the Lytal family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies and unwavering support. We know this loss will be felt across our campus and beyond.”
Dear Trinity Community,
The university has learned that Kellyanne Lytal, the young daughter of Trinity football offensive coordinator Wade Lytal ’09, has been confirmed as deceased following the catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River last week.
Our entire community… pic.twitter.com/7waXuOrHrq
— Trinity University (@Trinity_U) July 12, 2025
Officials confirmed that 27 campers and counselors at the camp lost their lives during the flooding, one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent Texas history. Many of those who died were from the Houston area.
What Legacy Will Kellyanne Lytal Leave Behind?
Wade Lytal, a 2009 Trinity graduate and former Tigers offensive lineman, had posted last Sunday that Kellyanne was missing following the storm. His post included a video of her singing in a Christmas pageant. The family lives in San Antonio, approximately 85 miles from Camp Mystic.
To honor her memory, the Lytal family has created a memorial foundation in Kellyanne’s name.
“This fund will support meaningful philanthropic efforts that reflect Kellyanne’s kind spirit and will ensure that her light continues to shine brightly in the world,” the family said.
Kellyanne’s parents, Wade and Malorie Lytal, also have another daughter, Emmalynn.
In a statement to Fox Digital, the family shared memories of Kellyanne, writing, “She was kind, fearless, silly, compassionate, and a loving friend to everyone. Even though she was taken from us way too early, we thank God for the eight magical years we got to share with her. Our family wants to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time. We are forever grateful for the men and women who are assisting in the Search and Rescue efforts.”
As of Friday night, the overall death toll from the floods had reached at least 129, with approximately 160 individuals still missing. Search and rescue teams continued to recover remains, and authorities noted that several campers remained unaccounted for.
