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.
A 26-year-old man from Odenville has died following a motorcycle crash Thursday afternoon in Leeds, according to authorities.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Toye Kyle Jackson, 26, of Odenville.
Officials said Jackson was operating a motorcycle that was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle.
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred at approximately 4:25 p.m. Thursday in the 7200 block of Elliot Lane in Leeds.
Jackson was the sole rider on the motorcycle at the time of the incident.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and Jackson was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment of serious injuries.
Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at 5:22 p.m.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash, including the condition of the driver of the other vehicle involved.
The Leeds Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the collision.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the events that led up to the crash.