51 people have been killed by flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas, including a number of youngsters from the Christian girls’ summer camp Camp Mystic. A number of others are still missing.
The catastrophe occurred early on Friday, July 4, when the majority of campers and inhabitants were asleep when a flood alarm was issued at 4 AM.
Five young girls have already been confirmed deceased when the strong surge engulfed Camp Mystic: Renee Smajstrla, age eight; Sarah Marsh, age eight; Janie Hunt, age nine; Lila Bonner, age nine; and Eloise Peck, age eight.
Dick Eastland, the director of Camp Mystic, perished while trying to pull campers out of their cabins as floodwaters surged, according to KSAT. Jane Ragsdale, the director of the nearby Heart O’ The Hills Camp, also perished in the flooding, even though that camp was not in session, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Photographs taken inside the camp showed the devastation: backpacks strewn around, a drenched plush animal on outdoor steps next to twisted clothes, and mud caked on pink and purple mattresses.
Items were entangled in branches and vegetation as the floodwaters carried away entire walls and halfway up the cabin windows.
“The camp was completely destroyed,” 13-year-old camper Elinor Lester said after being evacuated, per ABC30. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.”
Although some were rescued, local officials reported that 27 girls from Camp Mystic were washed away, several of them in cabins that completely washed out.
Ashley Flack, whose daughter Annie was found safe, said: “There are lots of families missing, children and friends missing. Our daughter is safe. Our son is safe. The operation to get the girl camp out did a good job. It was very organized, and we’re still hoping and praying for good news for friends that are hoping and praying for good news.”
Following the confirmation of Renee Smajstrla’s untimely death, the family released a statement expressing their sorrow.
“Thank you to all our friends and family for all the prayers and outreach. Renee has been found, and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly,” Renee’s uncle wrote on Facebook, sharing a photo of her smiling during her final day at camp.
“We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic. Please continue to pray for the other families in Kerrville,” he added.
Sarah Marsh’s grandmother, Debbie Ford Marsh, also spoke about her loss, writing: “Our sweet Sarah is gone!” adding, “We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever.”
Lila Bonner’s family expressed their “unimaginable grief,” while Eloise’s mother, Missy Peck, said, “Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals.”
According to Fox 4, the two girls had recently completed their second year at Bradfield Elementary School.
Throughout the state, at least 858 people have been rescued, and eight others have been hurt. According to NBC News, there were four recorded deaths in Travis County and more in Kendall, Tom Green, and Burnet counties.
Rob Kelly, the Kerr County Judge, issued a warning that although search and rescue operations are still ongoing, the goal will soon shift to recovery.
More than 1,000 state responders have been sent in as Governor Greg Abbott has extended the disaster declaration to 21 counties.
The Coast Guard has sending fixed-wing planes to help, and the Texas National Guard is using helicopters to undertake search flights.
President Trump shared on Truth Social that his administration is coordinating with Texas leaders, writing: “The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday. Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly.”
Search operations are ongoing as more rain is predicted for the San Antonio to Waco area, increasing the risk of flash floods and making it more difficult for bereaved families and others who are still awaiting word.
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