Coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns have done something incredibly heartfelt to honor the unexpected passing of Reece Zunker and his wife, who tragically lost their lives in the aftermath of the devastating floods that swept through Kerr County, Texas. Updates on the two children who remain missing are still ongoing

In a deeply emotional and compassionate gesture, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and the entire University of Texas football program have taken action to honor the memory of Reece Zunker and his wife Hannah, who tragically lost their lives during the catastrophic flash floods that swept through Kerr County, Texas this past week. As the state mourns the losses and rescue teams continue the urgent search for the Zunkers’ two missing children, the Longhorns have become a symbol of strength and unity for a grieving community.

“This is about more than football,” Sarkisian said. “This is about humanity, love, and standing with a family that’s enduring the unthinkable.”

Reece Zunker, a lifelong Texas resident, former high school football standout, and proud Longhorns fan, was swept away with his wife Hannah as raging floodwaters engulfed their vehicle near a low-water crossing outside of Ingram, a small town in Kerr County. According to officials, their truck was carried off the road during a flash flood triggered by torrential rain that overwhelmed the Guadalupe River and its tributaries.

Emergency crews later recovered the bodies of both Reece and Hannah approximately a mile downstream. Their two young children, ages 6 and 4, were also in the vehicle and remain missing as of the latest update. The Texas Department of Public Safety and local fire departments continue to conduct aerial and ground searches.

The tragedy has rocked the small Texas Hill Country town—and now, the entire state—as word spreads about the young family whose lives were upended in an instant.

Upon learning about the Zunker family’s story, Coach Sarkisian immediately contacted university leadership, team captains, and athletic director Chris Del Conte to coordinate a tribute that went beyond a simple acknowledgment.

Here’s what the Longhorns have done so far:

• A Moment of Silence will be held at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium at the Longhorns’ season opener, with Reece and Hannah’s names displayed on the video board.
• Helmet decals featuring “RZ” and a blue heart will be worn throughout the 2025 season to honor the family and raise awareness about flood safety.
• The Longhorns football program will sponsor the funeral costs for Reece and Hannah, in coordination with the Zunker family and local churches in Kerrville.
• A newly announced “Zunker Family Fund” will provide long-term financial support for the children, should they be found and reunited with extended family. The fund has already raised over $600,000 in its first 48 hours, including significant donations from Longhorn players, boosters, and coaches.
• A commemorative locker bearing Reece Zunker’s name and photo has been installed in the Longhorns’ team facility, even though he never played at Texas. Sarkisian said it symbolizes the bond between the program and every Texan who bleeds burnt orange.

“Reece grew up loving this team, dreaming of being one of us,” Sarkisian said, visibly emotional. “In a way, he always was. And now he always will be.”

Texas players, many of whom have children or young siblings, were particularly moved by the Zunker family’s tragedy. Team captains led the effort to wear custom T-shirts during summer workouts that read “For the Zunkers” on the back. Several offensive linemen, including All-American Troy Reynolds, helped deliver meals and flood relief supplies to Kerrville and surrounding towns.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has quietly contributed to multiple community causes during his time at Texas, posted a heartfelt message:

“There are no words. Just know we’re with you. We’re playing for something way bigger than football this year. #ForTheZunkers”

The team also held a private prayer service at midfield, led by team chaplain James Parker, to honor the Zunker family and pray for the safe return of the missing children.

Reece Zunker, 29, was known for his humility, work ethic, and devotion to his wife and kids. A high school linebacker who played for Ingram Tom Moore High School, he never played college ball but remained deeply connected to the game—especially as a passionate supporter of the Longhorns. He worked in construction and was known in the community for volunteering during hurricane cleanups and coaching youth flag football on weekends.

His wife Hannah, 27, was a beloved preschool teacher at Kerrville Christian School. Both were active in their church and known as “the kind of couple who always showed up for others,” according to a family friend.

“Reece never missed a Texas game,” said Pastor Daniel Hoyt. “He wore burnt orange on Saturdays and helped rebuild fences on Sundays. He was salt-of-the-earth. They both were.”

As floodwaters recede, hope remains that the Zunker children may still be found. The search effort is now in its fifth day and includes:

• State and local dive teams
• Drone surveillance and heat mapping
• K-9 search units
• Volunteers from across the state, many of whom were mobilized through social media and the Longhorns’ athletic network

Texas Department of Public Safety officers have said they’re “committed to seeing this through,” and extended family members of the Zunkers continue to ask the public for prayer and support.

Coach Sarkisian concluded his public remarks with a powerful reminder of the Longhorns’ broader mission.

“We coach football. But we serve people. And when our state hurts, we hurt too. Reece and Hannah’s story reminds us that every moment is precious, and every game we play represents someone out there who believes in us. This season—we play for them.”

The program also announced that the team will hold a flood relief camp for kids in Kerr County later this fall, with proceeds and gear donated directly to displaced families and schools.

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for another football season full of championship hopes and national attention, their hearts are grounded in something deeper. For one family whose lives were shattered by the force of nature, the Longhorns have become a source of healing, remembrance, and hope.

And for Reece Zunker—whose dream was always to wear burnt orange—it’s clear now that the jersey was never the point. It was the heart behind it.

And that heart will live on—not just in memorials and helmet stickers—but in every snap, every game, and every step this team takes forward.