Tragedy has struck central Texas as at least 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian all-girls summer camp, have been confirmed dead following devastating flash floods. The disaster, which began Friday and continues to unfold, has claimed at least 81 lives statewide, according to officials.
In a statement on Monday, Camp Mystic expressed deep sorrow over the loss:
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed how many of the 27 fatalities were children versus staff. As of Sunday, 10 children and a counselor from the camp remained unaccounted for, according to Kerr County officials, the region hardest hit by the floods.
Flash Flood Caught Camp Off Guard
On Friday, the Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet in under an hour, inundating Camp Mystic and other areas with hundreds of campers present. The force of the water destroyed camp buildings, with debris including pink blankets and stuffed animals scattered in the mud.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirmed that over 700 children were on site when the floodwaters hit. Images from the scene show shattered windows and collapsed walls where children were staying.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vowed full commitment to recovery efforts:
“We will remain 100% dedicated, searching for every single one of the children who were at Camp Mystic as well as anybody else in the entire riverbed.”
Ongoing Weather Threats Across Texas Hill Country
Thunderstorms continue to batter the region, adding to the disaster. The National Weather Service has issued multiple flash flood warnings across central Texas, including Burnet, Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties. Rainfall totals between 2 to 5 inches have already been reported, with forecasts warning of up to 10 inches in localized areas.
As of Monday morning, numerous roads remained impassable, and emergency responders reported multiple vehicles stranded in high water. The National Weather Service extended a flood watch through 7 p.m., urging continued caution.
Rapid DNA Deployed to Identify Victims
Efforts to identify victims are ongoing. As of Sunday, 18 adults and 10 children had been transported to a funeral home for identification. To speed the process, the Texas Rangers are collecting DNA samples from family members, with samples flown to the University of North Texas for rapid testing.
“We will have answers with rapid DNA in hours – not days – to get some closure and information back to these families,” said Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A Heroic Rescue in Rising Waters
In one powerful moment amid the devastation, Matthew Crowder, an employee at Texas Paintball, noticed a neighboring home surrounded by water at 4 a.m. on July 5. He began screaming in an effort to wake residents. Inside, Chrissy Eliashar, her four children, and four dogs escaped just before floodwaters consumed their car and yard.
Crowder helped guide the family through knee-deep waters to safety.
“I’m so grateful he screamed and was able to wake us up,” Eliashar told USA TODAY. “He really saved us.”
Donating to Support Texas Flood Victims
Numerous organizations have launched relief efforts to assist victims:
- Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has set up a Kerr County Flood Relief Fund for impacted communities.
- GoFundMe has verified campaigns for individual families.
- World Central Kitchen and the Salvation Army are also providing meals, supplies, and emergency support on the ground.
Systemic Forecasting Challenges
Experts admit the storm moved too quickly for adequate public warnings. The steep terrain of the Texas Hill Country made real-time flood prediction particularly difficult.
“We can issue the best forecast in the world, but if it’s not put in the hands of the individuals… that forecast has little value,” said Greg Waller of the National Weather Service.
Trump to Visit Texas, Signs Disaster Declaration
Former President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday he plans to visit Texas later this week, likely on Friday, after the region has stabilized.
“I would’ve done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” Trump told reporters.
He has already signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, unlocking federal resources and FEMA assistance for affected families and emergency crews.
As search and recovery efforts continue under worsening conditions, officials remain committed to locating the missing and supporting grieving families through one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Texas in recent memory.