HUNT, TEXAS — A sudden and catastrophic flash flood early Friday morning has left 23 young campers missing at Camp Mystic, a beloved Christian girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.
Fueled by intense overnight storms, the river surged over 22 feet within just 30 minutes, catching the camp off guard and prompting officials to classify the disaster as a “mass casualty event.”
Roughly 750 girls, ages 7 to 17, were attending the camp at the time of the flood. The rushing waters leveled cabins, overturned vehicles, and destroyed the main road leading into the area, leaving the camp cut off from emergency services. While a large number of campers have been rescued, 23 girls remain missing as of Friday afternoon.
Two of the missing, Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, were last seen in the “Bubble Inn” cabin. Families have named additional missing girls, including 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.
The rescue effort has drawn in more than 500 emergency workers and 18 helicopters. Teams have retrieved children from trees and flood-swept vehicles, but unstable terrain, dangerous flood currents, and wreckage have hindered progress.
The camp remains without electricity, water, or internet, compounding difficulties for families seeking updates. Officials from Camp Mystic have said parents of unaccounted-for children have been notified, though many families continue searching for news via social media.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha has confirmed 13 deaths, with fears that the toll may rise as rescue teams reach isolated zones. Freeman Martin, head of the Texas Department of Public Safety, underscored the seriousness of the emergency.
Federal resources have been activated. President Donald Trump has pledged comprehensive federal assistance, sending FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard to help local efforts. Senator Ted Cruz called for public prayers and affirmed that every resource is being utilized.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly emphasized the urgency: “Some campers have been located, but many are still missing. Every moment matters.”
With more rain expected and flood warnings still active across the Texas Hill Country, officials continue to urge the public to stay away from the area. Anyone with information should immediately contact Kerr County Emergency Management.
