HUNT, TEXAS — A catastrophic flash flood early Friday morning has left 23 girls missing at Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp for girls located on the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.
The flooding was caused by intense storms that forced the river to rise over 22 feet in just 30 minutes, turning the peaceful Hill Country retreat into a disaster zone. Officials have declared the situation a “mass casualty event.”
At the time of the flood, approximately 750 girls, aged 7 to 17, were attending the camp. The sudden surge of water flattened cabins, submerged cars, and washed out the main road, cutting off access and isolating the camp. Many campers have been rescued, but 23 remain unaccounted for as of Friday afternoon.
Among those still missing are Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, last seen in the “Bubble Inn” cabin. Families have also identified 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 as unaccounted for.
More than 500 emergency responders and 18 helicopters have been deployed. Crews have rescued children from trees and overturned vehicles, but dangerous conditions, fast-moving water, and destroyed infrastructure have complicated efforts.
The camp has lost electricity, water, and internet service, further limiting communication. In a statement, Camp Mystic assured parents that if their daughter is unaccounted for, they have been contacted directly. Still, many families have turned to social media in hopes of finding information.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 13 deaths so far. Freeman Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, reiterated the severity of the crisis, saying, “This is a mass casualty event.”
Federal assistance has been activated. President Donald Trump pledged full federal support, dispatching FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard. Senator Ted Cruz urged prayers and shared that every resource is being directed to help.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly stressed the urgency: “Some girls have been located, but many are still missing. Every second counts.”
With further storms forecast and flood alerts still in effect, authorities are urging the public to stay away from the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kerr County Emergency Management immediately.
