Local News
Heart O’ the Hills Camp director Jane Ragsdale dead following devastating floods in Texas
KERRVILLE, Texas — Channel2 NOW has learned the tragic death of Jane Ragsdale, longtime camp director at Heart O’ the Hills Camp in Hunt, Texas, following Friday’s devastating flash flooding.
Ragsdale, a beloved figure in the camping community, had deep roots at Heart O’ the Hills. She began her journey there as a camper and counselor in the 1970s, later becoming a co-owner of the camp in 1976.
She served as program director before assuming the role of camp director in 1988, a position she held for decades.
Described as “the heart and soul” of Heart O’ the Hills, Ragsdale was widely respected and admired for her leadership and dedication to youth development.
Her contributions were recognized nationally: she was the recipient of the Pioneer Trailblazer Award from the Pioneer Alumni Association in 2022, and the Speedy Altman Award, a prestigious lifetime achievement honor from the Camp Owners and Directors Association.
Ragsdale’s death comes amid a broader tragedy.
As of Friday evening, officials have confirmed 13 fatalities and at least 20 individuals remain unaccounted for due to catastrophic flooding in the Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country region.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The loss of Jane Ragsdale is being felt deeply throughout the local community and the national network of camp professionals she helped shape.
Local News
11-Year-Old Girl Critically Injured After Being Struck by Ambulance Near SLAM Charter School in Little Havana
MIAMI, FLORIDA — Authorities in Miami are investigating a departmental crash that occurred Friday morning in Little Havana, where an 11-year-old girl was struck by a Miami Fire Rescue ambulance responding to an emergency call with a patient on board.
The incident took place around 542 NW 12th Avenue, near SLAM Miami Charter School and just blocks from LoanDepot Park, according to Miami Police.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the child was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk on her way to school when the ambulance—identified as Rescue 4—approached the intersection with its emergency lights activated.
According to witnesses, the vehicle appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed en route to the hospital when it struck the girl.
Emergency crews immediately rendered aid, and the victim, who sustained severe traumatic injuries, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Her current condition has not been released.
In a statement, SLAM Miami Charter School confirmed that the injured child is one of their students and said the school is in contact with the family and providing ongoing support and counseling resources to students and staff affected by the incident.
“It was a shocking scene,” one witness told reporters, describing the moments following the impact as chaotic and emotional.
Miami Police confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.
Authorities have temporarily closed NW 12th Avenue between NW 4th and NW 7th Streets while investigators process the scene.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes as the investigation continues.