Obituary: Trinity University Mourns Loss of Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Trinity University is reeling after the tragic loss of Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal, the bright and beloved eight‑year‑old daughter of Wade Lytal, the university’s offensive coordinator, following catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River in early July 2025.
Kellyanne was confirmed deceased after the flash flood disaster at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. The camp was overwhelmed as the Guadalupe River surged unexpectedly, killing dozens of campers and counselors in a matter of minutes. Trinity University’s public message conveyed profound sorrow and support: “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” .
A Shining Light Extinguished Too Soon
Described by her family as “kind, fearless, silly, compassionate, and a loving friend to everyone,” Kellyanne was a wellspring of joy and warmth whose light touched all around her. Despite her young age, her impact was felt strongly: Wade Lytal’s heartfelt pleas for prayer and support went viral during the search. In one video, he shared Kellyanne singing a Christmas pageant solo, recalling her as “absolutely fearless”.
Community Impact and Collective Mourning
The death toll from the July 4 flash flooding is staggering: at least 27 campers and counselors died at Camp Mystic, with more than 160 people still missing, and 132 confirmed dead across Central Texas, including over 100 in Kerr County alone. Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls’ camp established in 1926, was engulfed when the river rose over 26 feet in less than an hour, marking the area’s highest recorded flood level. The disaster has sparked scrutiny of delayed flood warnings, camp emergency protocols, and infrastructure failures across Kerr County.
A Legacy Honored Through Giving
In Kellyanne’s memory, the Lytal family has launched the Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal Memorial Foundation, in partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation. The foundation will support charitable causes that reflected Kellyanne’s spirit—kindness, compassion, and joyful giving—and aims to ensure her light continues to shine through community service and scholarship initiatives .
Bonds Beyond Family: Athletic and Campus Solidarity
Wade Lytal is not just a coach but a Trinity alumnus and former football player from the class of 2009. Once Kellyanne was reported missing, Trinity’s coaching staff, players, and even local high school teammates mobilized—not through social media alone, but by joining ground searches near Hunt in support of the family. Coaches across the college football community, including Texas conference and Big‑12 figures, spoke of shared grief, honoring Kellyanne’s memory with green ribbons and public expressions of solidarity at events like media days .
The Heart of the Community Responds
Campus and athletic officials have organized counseling support and communal vigils. Trinity has opened spiritual and mental health resources in Parker Chapel and extended support to students and faculty impacted by this loss . The Southern Athletic Association joined in mourning, encouraging contributions to Kellyanne’s memorial foundation and inviting displays of courage under the hashtag #FearlessLikeKellyanne.
Kellyanne is survived by her parents, Wade and Malorie Lytal, and her younger sister, Emmalynn. The family’s public message—“Even though she was taken from us way too early, we thank God for the eight magical years we got to share with her”—captures both heartbreak and gratitude for the time they had together.
