A Heartbreaking Loss in the Texas Hill Country
A devastating flash flood has claimed the lives of 27 children and counselors at Camp Mystic, a well-known girls’ summer camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Texas. The camp confirmed the tragic news in an emotional statement posted on its website.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” the statement read.
The camp also shared that search efforts are still ongoing for missing people and urged the public to respect the privacy of affected families during this heartbreaking time.
Rising Death Toll Across Texas
The tragic incident at Camp Mystic is part of a much larger disaster caused by widespread flash floods across central Texas. Authorities have confirmed that at least 82 people have died as a result of the floods, a number that is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The flash floods began early Friday morning after a powerful storm system dropped heavy rain in the region. One of the most alarming moments came when the Guadalupe River rose by 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes, overwhelming the surrounding areas and trapping many in homes, cars, and buildings.
Massive Impact in Kerr County and Surrounding Areas
Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other summer camps, has been one of the hardest-hit regions. Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that at least 68 people died in the Hill Country area, which includes several small towns and recreational spots.
Other counties affected include:
- Travis County
- Burnet County
- Kendall County
- Tom Green County
- Williamson County
Local officials have reported at least 10 more deaths across these areas, and with more rain in the forecast, residents remain on high alert.
Stories of Survival and Heroism
Amid the heartbreak, some stories of bravery and community support have come to light.
Reagan Brown, a local resident, shared that his elderly parents managed to escape their flooded home in Hunt, Texas, by moving uphill. Upon learning that their 92-year-old neighbor was trapped in her attic, they returned to rescue her.
“They reached their toolshed on higher ground, and neighbors began to gather there. They all rode out the storm together,” Brown told the Associated Press.
These moments of courage highlight the strength of local communities during one of the worst natural disasters the region has seen in recent years.
Emotional Evacuation at Camp Mystic
A video shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showed young girls being evacuated from Camp Mystic as they sang hymns like Amazing Grace and Pass It On while crossing a bridge over the still-raging Guadalupe River. The scene was both moving and haunting, capturing the fear and faith of children in the face of disaster.
Federal Response and Disaster Declaration
In response to the scale of the flooding, former President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday. This action allows for the release of federal emergency funds and resources to assist with recovery efforts.
Trump said he plans to visit the flood-ravaged area on Friday, nearly a week after the disaster began. He explained that an earlier visit might interfere with ongoing search and rescue operations.
Questions Around Warnings and Preparedness
As the community begins to recover, serious questions are being asked about the timing and effectiveness of the flood warnings.
Many residents are wondering:
- Were flood alerts sent out early enough?
- Did all residents receive those warnings?
- Was enough done to prepare summer camps and rural towns for the storm?
With multiple summer camps located along rivers and in low-lying areas, some are calling for a review of safety protocols, especially during peak camp season in Texas.
The Road Ahead: Recovery and Reflection
The situation remains critical as more rain is forecast to hit the already saturated ground, raising the risk of additional flooding and landslides.
Residents across the affected counties are now focused on:
- Cleaning up mud and debris from homes
- Locating missing loved ones
- Rebuilding damaged infrastructure
- Supporting families who lost children and relatives
Emergency crews continue to work around the clock, while local charities and support groups are organizing efforts to provide food, shelter, and mental health support to grieving families
This tragedy at Camp Mystic and across Texas Hill Country is a painful reminder of nature’s power and the importance of disaster readiness. The loss of so many young lives has touched hearts across the nation.
As the community mourns, the hope is that this disaster will bring about stronger systems for warning, evacuation, and emergency response, especially for vulnerable locations like summer camps.
