HUNT, TEXAS — A devastating flash flood early Friday morning has left 23 girls missing at Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.
After intense overnight storms, the river surged more than 22 feet in just 30 minutes, catching the camp by surprise and triggering a “mass casualty event,” according to officials.
Roughly 750 campers, ranging in age from 7 to 17, were at the camp when floodwaters swept through the property. The powerful current flattened cabins, flipped cars, and destroyed the camp’s only access road, leaving the site isolated. While the majority of the campers have been rescued, 23 girls remain missing as of Friday afternoon.
Among the unaccounted for are Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, last seen in the “Bubble Inn” cabin. Families have also named Hadley Hanna, Kellyanne Lytal, Lainey Landry, Janie Hunt, Renee Smajstrla, Cile Steward, Virginia Hollis, Margaret Sheedy, Molly Dewitt, Anna Margaret Bellows, Blakely McCrory, Mary Grace Baker, and Linnie McCown among the missing.
Emergency crews have deployed more than 500 responders and 18 helicopters to the scene. Girls have been rescued from trees and vehicles swept up by the floodwaters, but ongoing hazards—such as swift currents, fallen debris, and ruined infrastructure—have hampered efforts.
The camp remains without electricity, running water, or internet, and communication with families is severely limited. Camp Mystic officials have confirmed that parents of the missing girls have been contacted directly, though many families are still turning to social media for updates.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 13 deaths, with the potential for more as search teams access harder-to-reach areas. Freeman Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, emphasized the seriousness of the crisis, calling it one of the worst flood emergencies the region has seen.
In response, President Donald Trump has activated federal resources, including FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard, to assist local agencies. Senator Ted Cruz called for prayers and assured Texans that every available resource is being directed to the scene.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly warned, “Some girls have been found, but many are still missing. Every second matters.”
With more storms in the forecast and flood alerts still active, the public is urged to avoid the area. Anyone with information should contact Kerr County Emergency Management immediately.
