HUNT, TX — A wave of grief has swept through the quiet town of Hunt and the wider Texas Hill Country following the tragic death of Jesse Goff, a cherished young man who lost his life in a flash flood near Camp Mystic.
The sudden storm, which brought torrential rain and dangerous flash flooding along the Guadalupe River, struck with little warning. Jesse, a local of Hunt known for his radiant spirit and love for the outdoors, was caught in the fast-rising waters on the campgrounds he held so dear.
Despite valiant rescue efforts by emergency crews, Jesse could not be saved.
He was more than a name in the community—he was a constant source of joy, humor, and heart. Described by friends as “the kind of person who lit up every room and made everyone feel like they belonged,” Jesse was woven deeply into the fabric of Hunt. Whether mentoring younger campers, hiking the hills he knew like the back of his hand, or offering a helping hand to neighbors, his life was a reflection of quiet compassion and steady joy.
Camp Mystic, nestled in the heart of the Hill Country and beloved by generations of families, was a sacred place for Jesse. For him, it wasn’t just summer tradition—it was a sanctuary. A place of laughter, late-night songs under the stars, and lifelong bonds. That his final moments occurred there only deepens the ache for those who knew how much it meant to him.
As news of the tragedy spread, an outpouring of sorrow followed. Tributes flooded social media—photos of Jesse smiling beside the river, memories of shared campfires, and notes filled with disbelief and heartbreak. Many shared the same sentiment: “He was the best of us.”
The Goff family has asked for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss. In a brief statement, they expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love from the community, and acknowledged that Jesse’s memory would live on in the land he loved and the people whose lives he touched.
Officials continue to caution the public about the unpredictability of Hill Country weather and the devastating power of flash floods, which have claimed too many lives in the region’s history.
A memorial service will be held in the coming days. Friends, family, and members of the Camp Mystic community are expected to gather not only to mourn but to honor a life so deeply lived.
In Jesse’s memory, let us be kinder, more present, and more alive. Let us cherish the rivers, the hills, and each other. And let us never forget the boy who lived with a heart wide open, whose laughter echoed through the canyons, and whose absence will be felt for years to come.
Rest in peace, Jesse Goff. The river carries your light now
