HUNT, TEXAS — An intensive search and rescue effort is underway following a devastating flash flood that tore through Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp for girls nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.
The disaster unfolded early Friday morning after violent storms caused the river to surge more than 22 feet in just half an hour, engulfing the camp in a torrent of water. Officials have officially deemed the crisis a “mass casualty event.”
The floodwaters leveled cabins, swept away vehicles, and severed the camp’s access to nearby roads. At the time, approximately 750 girls, ages 7 to 17, were attending the camp. While many have been rescued, authorities confirmed that 23 campers remain missing as of Friday afternoon.
Among those still unaccounted for are Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, who were last seen inside the camp’s “Bubble Inn” cabin. Other missing girls include 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.
More than 500 emergency responders and 18 helicopters have been deployed. Teams have rescued children from trees and flood-damaged vehicles. Despite their efforts, dangerous conditions, widespread debris, and communication outages continue to hamper operations.
“This is a mass casualty event,” confirmed Freeman Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported 13 confirmed fatalities, warning that the number could rise as crews access previously unreachable areas.
The camp is currently without power, running water, and internet. Its main road was washed away, isolating the area and making real-time updates to families nearly impossible. In a statement, the camp assured parents: “If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified.” Still, with communication limited, many families have turned to social media to share updates and search for information.
The Hanna family of Dallas confirmed that their daughter Hadley is still missing. The Lytal family issued an emotional plea: “If anyone has seen Kellyanne, please reach out. We are praying and hoping.”
In response to the unfolding emergency, President Donald Trump has pledged federal support, mobilizing FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard to assist in the ongoing rescue mission.
Senator Ted Cruz also shared a message on social media: “Please keep Camp Mystic and all those affected in your prayers. Every resource is being brought to bear to help.”
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly emphasized the urgency of the moment: “While some campers have been found, many more remain missing. We’re in a race against time.”
With further storms expected and flood warnings still active throughout the Texas Hill Country, officials continue to advise the public to avoid the area and preserve emergency communications for critical use.
As communities across Texas rally in support, families hold on to hope for the safe return of their daughters. Anyone with information is urged to contact Kerr County Emergency Management immediately.
