Tragedy Strikes Camp Mystic as Flash Floods Sweep Central Texas
I’m heartbroken as I speak to you today about an unimaginable tragedy unfolding in the heart of Texas Hill Country. What was meant to be a joyful summer escape for young girls at Camp Mystic has turned into every parent’s worst nightmare. As torrential rains pounded Kerr County over the July Fourth holiday weekend, the Guadalupe River — normally a serene backdrop to this beloved girls' camp — rose more than 20 feet in less than two hours. The sudden flash flood swept through Camp Mystic, leaving destruction in its wake and families in anguish.
As of now, 27 children are still missing. The camp, which has been in operation since 1926, was supposed to be a place of joy, growth, and spiritual reflection. Instead, it has become the epicenter of a desperate search and rescue operation involving more than a thousand personnel — local, state, and federal. Boats comb the murky river, helicopters fly overhead, and crews trek through the waterlogged terrain, refusing to rest until every last child is accounted for.
The stories emerging are harrowing. At least four young lives have already been lost — bright, joyful girls like Janie Hunt, Sarah Marsh, Lila Bonner, and Renee Smajstrla. Their families are grieving in ways most of us cannot begin to understand. And others — like Carrie Hanna, whose 8-year-old daughter Hadley is still missing — are living in a torturous limbo, clinging to hope.
Also Read:- Sparks Edge Out Fever in Thrilling Finish Without Caitlin Clark
- Caitlin Clark Sits Out Again as Fever Face Sparks in Anticipated Showdown
This wasn't just a bad storm. Some areas received more than a month’s worth of rain in mere hours. Entire cabins were torn open. Mattresses floated in muddy water. Trees were uprooted, and debris now marks what used to be a summer paradise. First responders are describing scenes of devastation — children clinging to trees to survive, and families desperately searching for answers at reunification centers.
One congressman, August Pfluger, shared that his own daughters were rescued from the camp. While they are now safe, he acknowledged the heavy grief hanging over the entire community. And this devastation wasn’t isolated. Other nearby camps were also affected. Jane Ragsdale, the camp director at Heart O’ the Hills, tragically lost her life when flooding overtook their facility, even though no campers were present at the time.
Through all of this, Texas officials are promising relentless search efforts. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott both said they won’t stop — not today, not tomorrow — until every missing child is found. The community has rallied, and the outpouring of support has been incredible. Still, nothing can ease the pain for families who have lost their children or are still waiting for word.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the profound fragility of life. Camp Mystic was supposed to bring out the best in its campers. Today, it has brought out something else — the best of human courage, sacrifice, and compassion in the face of devastating loss.
Let us all hold these families in our hearts. Let us hope, as they do, for miracles.
Read More:
0 Comments