The founder of a Catholic school was among 17 people killed in mudslides in Southern California this week.
Roy Rohter, the founder of St. Augustine Academy in Ventura, California, died Tuesday when heavy rain unleashed flash floods, mudslides and debris flow in the southern part of the state, according to the Catholic school’s headmaster, Michael Van Hecke.
A mudslide swept Rohter and his wife, Theresa Rohter, out of their home in Montecito. Rohter’s wife was rescued and hospitalized in stable condition, but he did not survive, Van Hecke told ABC News.
“Roy’s life has been in service to his good, loving and ever-forgiving God,” Van Hecke, a close friend of the Rohters, said in a statement. “Thousands have been blessed by the Rohters’ friendship and generosity.”
St. Augustine Academy posted a photo of Rohter on its Facebook page Tuesday with the caption, “Please pray for the repose of the soul of our founder, Roy Rohter — a giant gift to the Catholic Church and all things true, good and beautiful. Pray also for his wife, Theresa, the gentle giant of Charity and grace, and for his children and grandchildren. Thank you.”
Rohter grew up in Chicago and was a real estate broker for several years before founding St. Augustine Academy, according to The Associated Press. Rohter believed strongly in Catholic education and dedicated his life to helping others, Van Hecke said.
“There is one thing Roy would want from everyone — prayers,” Van Hecke added. “He said so many times that after his passing, ‘Make sure everyone prays for my soul.’ We will, Roy!”
On Wednesday, loved ones searched for Montecito resident Josie Gower near her home, which was surrounded by knee-deep mud and large boulders that had been carried by the force of the mudslides.
Longtime friend Doug Scott told ABC News that Josie Gower and another friend were on the second floor of her home but ventured downstairs once they heard rumbling. They both were swept away by the mud, but the friend was rescued against a tree by the home in mud that came up to his neck, Scott said.
The home’s garage was completely destroyed and the cars had been swept away as well, said Josie Gower’s son, Hayden Gower. They said they couldn’t believe the extent of the damage the home had sustained by just “a couple of inches” of mud.
“Why didn’t she stay upstairs?” Hayden Gower asked, tearfully. “Why did she go downstairs?”
Josie Gower’s friend Diane Brewer said she used to live next door to the now-destroyed property. The two had traveled to Italy for five weeks together with Josie’s children last year, Brewer.
Hayden Gower later confirmed to ABC News that his mother’s body had been located.
Many more are feared to be dead and buried beneath the mud, and at least 13 people were reported missing as of Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
Among the missing are sisters Sawyer Corey, 12, and Morgan Corey, 25, family members confirmed to ABC News. A third sister and the girls’ mother are currently being treated in the ICU, the family said.
ABC News’ Fergal Gallagher, Matt Gutman and Alyssa Pone contributed to this report.
