In just 90 minutes, a peaceful night at Camp Mystic turned into a nightmare as floodwaters surged overnight resulting in devastating losses. Five young girls, aged 8 and 9, are confirmed dead, and 11 others are unaccounted for after the Guadalupe River’s waters rose 20 feet above flood stage in the early hours of July 4.
The camp, nestled in Kerr County, Texas, found itself overwhelmed when a month’s worth of rain fell within minutes. The youngest campers were sleeping just 225 feet from the river when disaster struck. As multiple rescue teams worked tirelessly, the floods claimed at least 80 lives across Texas, with Kerr County experiencing the majority of the tragedies.
“The camp was completely destroyed. It was really scary,” said survivor Elinor Lester, who was among the older girls housed on elevated ground.
In the aftermath, grief enveloped the community. Many are mourning the loss of Dick Eastland, a long-time owner of Camp Mystic and mentor to countless families. Among the deceased are Lila Bonner, Janie Hunt, Sarah Marsh, Eloise Peck, and Renee Smajstrla; as well as counselor Chloe Childress, who heroically tried to save her campers.
This tragedy raises poignant questions about safety and preparedness at camps located near waterways—what can be done to prevent such heartbreak in the future?