Coach Zunker and his wife, Paula, have been found deceased following the tragic flooding in the Hill Country

Hill Country, TX — In heartbreaking news that has sent shockwaves through the Texas A&M and broader Texas high school sports community, Coach Greg Zunker and his wife, Paula Zunker, have been found deceased following the devastating flash floods that swept through the Hill Country region over the weekend.

Local officials confirmed the news early Monday morning after an extensive search-and-rescue effort. The Zunkers had been reported missing late Saturday evening when their vehicle was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters near the Blanco River.

Coach Greg Zunker was more than a coach — he was a pillar of leadership, integrity, and kindness throughout his decades-long career in Texas athletics. Known for his time coaching high school football and track across Central Texas and more recently for serving in a support capacity with Texas A&M Athletics, Zunker was deeply respected by players, students, and colleagues alike.

“Greg wasn’t just a coach — he was a father figure, a mentor, and a friend to so many,” said a statement from Texas A&M Athletics. “He loved his players like family and brought heart to every program he touched.”

Greg and Paula Zunker, married for over 30 years, were widely admired for their deep devotion to one another and their shared commitment to faith and service. Paula, a retired elementary school teacher, was beloved by generations of students and known for her calm spirit and gentle strength.

Friends describe the couple as “inseparable” — whether cheering on their grandkids at local ballgames, leading community outreach through their church, or volunteering at youth events across the Hill Country.

“They were the kind of people who always showed up,” said family friend Donnie Martinez. “For birthdays, for funerals, for Friday night lights. They loved hard and lived humbly.”

The news has left a deep wound across the Hill Country and Aggie communities. Vigils have already begun forming in towns across the area, with local churches organizing prayer gatherings and former players sharing memories of Coach Zunker’s steady guidance and compassion.

The small town of Wimberley, where the couple had recently moved into a retirement home, has lowered its flags to half-staff and declared a day of mourning in their honor.

The flash flooding that claimed the Zunkers’ lives was part of a larger system of torrential rains that dumped over 12 inches of water in under 24 hours in some areas of the Hill Country. First responders described water levels rising at “unpredictable and uncontrollable” rates, sweeping away vehicles, damaging homes, and prompting emergency evacuations across multiple counties.

Authorities report at least six confirmed fatalities, with several others still missing as search operations continue. Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster in the region and activated emergency response units to assist affected communities.

In the hours after the announcement, Texas A&M University released an official statement expressing its grief and offering support to the Zunker family.

“We mourn the loss of Coach Greg Zunker and his wife, Paula, with heavy hearts. Their love, service, and dedication to the Aggie family and the state of Texas will never be forgotten. We send our deepest condolences to their loved ones, and we are here to support them in every way possible.”

The Texas A&M football team is expected to honor Coach Zunker with a moment of silence at the start of their upcoming fall camp, and players have begun circulating plans for helmet decals bearing the initials “GZ” in remembrance.

Across social media, tributes flooded in from former players, colleagues, and fellow coaches:

“Coach Zunker taught me how to be a man before I ever learned to play ball. I owe him everything.” — Former player, Class of 2013

“Paula was the heartbeat of every PTA meeting, every classroom, every church potluck. Just a beautiful soul.” — Neighbor in Dripping Springs

“The world lost two good ones today. Heaven gained two angels.” — Texas High School Coaches Association

Though the floodwaters have taken much, they cannot wash away the legacy of love, character, and courage that Coach Greg and Paula Zunker built together. In locker rooms, in classrooms, in pews, and in kitchens, their spirit lives on.

As one local pastor said at Sunday’s vigil:

“In every life they touched, a piece of them remains. And in that way, they are still with us.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. The Zunker family asks for privacy and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.