BEAUMONT, Texas — Friends and family alike are honoring Kelly High School graduate Ella Cahill, who lost her life during the devastating flood in Texas Hill country that left over 100 dead and 160 still missing.
21-year-old Ella Rose Cahill was on a trip to Hunt with her boyfriend, Aidan Heartfield, and their friends, Joyce Badon and Reese Manchaca, when the deadly flood hit over the weekend.
Cahill, Badon, and Manchaca have since been recovered after extensive searching by family and officials in Kerr County. As of July 9, Aidan Heartfield is still missing.
“My beautiful, intelligent, & loving sister, Ella, has been found. Although we are grateful for answers, it still hurts the same. It’s not fair. She needed more time. We all needed more time with her. I’m mad, sad, but at peace knowing she isn’t suffering anymore,” Mackenzie Hodulik, Ella’s sister, wrote on Facebook late Tuesday night.
Since her recovery, support and condolences have poured in from the people who’s life she touched and institutes she attended.
A statement from St. Anne Catholic School, where Cahill attended through 8th grade, said she will be deeply missed. You can read that statement below.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our beloved alumna, Ella Rose Cahill, St. Anne Class of 2018. Ella has been called home to Heaven, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and kindness during her time at St. Anne Catholic School.
Ella was an exceptional student, renowned for her passion for sports and her commitment to community service. Her presence was a source of joy and encouragement to all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by our community.
Her family asks that you join us in keeping Ella’s memory alive in our hearts and offer your prayers for the Cahill family during this unimaginably difficult time. We will provide details of her services as they become available.
Once a Wildcat, always, and forever, a dear Wildcat.”
After graduating, Cahill attended UTSA along with her friend Reese Manchaca. The university is now holding a vigil in honor of both the girls.
“UTSA will offer two opportunities this week for students, faculty and staff to join together to reflect on the Hill Country flooding tragedy and remember those from our campus community who have been lost or impacted,” read a news release from UTSA.
A virtual reflection will be held at 5:30 Wednesday followed by an on-campus reflection Friday, July 9.
“It is important for us have the opportunity to gather as a UTSA community to reflect on this devastating tragedy, pay tribute to the lives and contributions of those we’ve lost, and process the overwhelming news that has so greatly impacted our campuses,” said LT Robinson, senior vice provost for student affairs and dean of students. “Let us also draw strength from one another. Together, we can begin the healing and provide the comfort and support that is so important during these challenging times.”
UTSA will also be offering Wellness 360 Counseling for students who are struggling with grief and loss.
The Cahill family has requested privacy at this time.