HUNT, TEXAS — A devastating flash flood has left 23 campers missing at Camp Mystic, a long-established Christian summer camp for girls located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.
The flood struck in the early hours of Friday morning after a band of powerful storms caused the river to rise more than 22 feet in just 30 minutes, overwhelming the camp and prompting officials to declare the event a “mass casualty situation.”
At the time, roughly 750 girls between the ages of 7 and 17 were attending Camp Mystic. The rapidly rising waters flattened cabins, washed away vehicles, and destroyed the camp’s main access road, isolating it from the surrounding area. While many girls have been rescued, 23 remain missing as of Friday afternoon.
Among the missing are Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, who were last seen inside the “Bubble Inn” cabin. Other families have identified several more girls as unaccounted for, 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.
In response, more than 500 emergency personnel and 18 helicopters have been mobilized. Rescue teams have pulled girls from treetops and stranded vehicles, but dangerous conditions—including swift floodwaters, debris, and damaged infrastructure—have significantly slowed the operation.
The camp has no electricity, water, or internet, leaving families desperate for information. Camp officials issued a message stating that if a child is unaccounted for, families have been notified, though many parents are still seeking answers through social media.
Thirteen fatalities have been confirmed by Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, with concerns that the number may rise as rescuers reach previously inaccessible areas. Freeman Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling it a true emergency.
President Donald Trump has pledged full federal support, deploying FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard to assist in the ongoing search. Senator Ted Cruz urged prayers for the victims and reaffirmed that all available resources are being directed to the scene.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly stressed the urgency, stating, “Some girls have been found, but many are still missing. Time is critical.”
With additional storms in the forecast and flood alerts still active, officials are asking the public to avoid the area. Anyone with information is urged to contact Kerr County Emergency Management immediately.
