HUNT, TEXAS — A violent flash flood tore through Camp Mystic early Friday morning, leaving 23 young girls missing and prompting an urgent and large-scale rescue mission.
The cherished Christian summer camp, located along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, was overwhelmed when the river surged more than 22 feet in just half an hour following a night of severe storms. Officials have declared the disaster a “mass casualty event.”
At the time of the flood, about 750 campers, ages 7 to 17, were on-site. The rapidly rising water swept away cabins, flipped vehicles, and demolished the main access road—cutting the camp off from outside aid. Hundreds have been rescued, but as of Friday afternoon, 23 girls remain unaccounted for.
Among those missing are Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, last seen in the “Bubble Inn” cabin. Families have also identified additional missing girls: 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 personnel and 18 helicopters have been mobilized. Rescuers have pulled campers from trees and flooded vehicles, but dangerous floodwaters, debris, and destroyed infrastructure are slowing progress.
The camp is without electricity, water, or internet, making communication with families especially difficult. Camp Mystic officials have assured that all families with missing children have been directly contacted, though many continue to seek answers through social media.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha has confirmed 13 fatalities, and officials fear that number could rise as teams access more isolated sections of the camp. Freeman Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, stressed the gravity of the situation, calling it one of the state’s most severe flood emergencies in recent history.
In response, President Donald Trump has authorized full federal support, dispatching FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard to bolster local efforts. Senator Ted Cruz called for prayers and assured the public that every possible resource is being directed toward the rescue.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly echoed the urgency: “Some campers have been found, but many are still missing. Every second counts.”
With more storms predicted and flood warnings still active across the Texas Hill Country, officials are asking residents to steer clear of the area. Anyone with information should contact Kerr County Emergency Management immediately.
