Youngest girls at Camp Mystic were sleeping just feet from the river before horror Texas floods — with 5 kids dead, 23 missing
At least five girls from the camp have been confirmed dead — all age 8 and 9 — and 23 others are still missing.
Also confirmed dead is the longtime owner of the Christian getaway — which has a storied history in Texas and counts ex First Lady Laura Bush as a former counselor.
Cabins at the site housing youngest campers are situated on low-laying 'flats' less than one football field away from the banks of the Guadalupe River, according to the New York Times and satellite analysis of the camp.
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6 This is the wreckage of Camp Mystic site, as seen from a helicopter tour of the devastation. The Guadalupe River can be seen in the background.
@chiproytx / X
6 The Camp Mystic that was destroyed by the floods has two sets of cabins. The right set, housing junior campers, is in the lowlands, and as little as 225 feet from the left is called 'Senior Hill' and set of higher ground.
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Most of the missing girls are from those cabins, the Times reported.
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Older girls were in cabins on higher ground — some 600 feet from the water.
The flood gauge at Hunt, Texas — about five miles up stream — shows that the water level rose 20 feet — from normal to major flooding — between about 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on July 4.
The floods, caused by a month's worth of rain dropping in a matter of minutes, would have happened even earlier at Camp Mystic.
Survivor Elinor Lester, 13, was among the older girls housed on elevated ground known as Senior Hill at the camp.
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'The camp was completely destroyed. It was really scary,' she told the newspaper.
Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp, has two sites, one at the Guadalupe River, and a Cypress Creek site to the south.
The five girls killed in the flooding at Camp Mystic have been named as Lila Bonner, 9, Janie Hunt, 9, Sarah Marsh, 8, Eloise Peck, 8, and Renee Smajstrla, 9.
About 750 girls were attending the camp this week when record flooding swept through the campsite, with floodwaters rising to almost 30 feet on Friday morning, the second-worst flooding on record, exceeding even the devastating 1987 floods.
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6 Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, two pals from Dallas, were reported missing after devastating floods struck Camp Mystic, with Lila now found dead.
6 Janie Hunt was one of the campers killed in the flooding.
CNN Weather
6 Renee Smajstrla was among the dead from the catastrophic flooding in Texas.
Shawn Salta /Facebook
6 Sarah Marsh was confirmed dead.
Debbie Marsh /Facebook
Forty-three people have been reported dead so far in Kerr County, including 15 children. The overall death toll is now 59, and officials said, that figure is likely to rise.
Follow The Post's coverage on the deadly Texas flooding
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A mom of two girls at Camp Mystic has claimed staff 'should have been on top' of the crisis, after warnings were issued on Thursday morning about the risk of flash flooding.
'They were posting stuff yesterday morning. They should have been on top of it,' Serena Hanor Aldrich, whose two daughters, ages 9 and 12, were both rescued from the camp, told the Times.
Her younger daughter was staying closer to the riverbank but was able to make it 'to one of the buildings that wasn't flooded anymore. They were up there for a couple of hours,' she said.
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Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
An Alabama elementary student and a camp director among those killed in devasting Texas floods
A beloved director of Texas summer camp for girls. An Alabama elementary student away from home. A woman found dead after an intensive search. These are a few of the dozens of victims lost in devastating flooding in Texas. The flooding in central Texas originated from the fast-moving waters on the Guadalupe River on Friday, killing more than 50 people, including 15 children. Authorities say search and rescue efforts are still underway for dozens missing from a summer camp for girls. JANE RAGSDALE Jane Ragsdale, 68, devoted her life to the Heart O'the Hills Camp, a summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country. She was a camper and counselor there herself in the 1970s before becoming a co-owner. By the 1980s, she was director of the camp in Hunt. 'She was the heart of The Heart,' the camp said in a statement. 'She was our guiding light, our example, and our safe place. She had the rare gift of making every person feel seen, loved, and important.' Since the camp was between sessions, no children were staying there when the floodwaters rose. The camp's facilities, directly in the path of the flood, were extensively damaged and access to the site remained difficult, according to camp officials. The camp has been in existence since the 1950s. Camp officials said Ragsdale would be remembered for her strength and wisdom. 'We are heartbroken. But above all, we are grateful,' the camp said. 'Grateful to have known her, to have learned from her, and to carry her light forward.' In a 2015 oral history for the Kerr County Historical Commission, Ragsdale, whose first name was Cynthie, but went by her middle name Jane, talked about how her father was also a camp director and how much she enjoyed her experiences. 'I loved every minute of camp from the first time I stepped foot in one,' she recalled. Videos of Ragsdale strumming a guitar and singing to campers during a recent session were posted in a memorial on the camp's Facebook page: 'Life is good today. So keep singing 'til we meet, again.' SARAH MARSH Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh from Alabama had been attending Camp Mystic in Texas , a longtime Christian girls camp in Hunt where several others were killed in the floods. Several dozen children were still missing early Sunday. Marsh was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary in suburban Birmingham. 'This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community,' Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch said in a Facebook post. 'Sarah's passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her.' He said the community — where about 20,000 people reside — would rally behind the Marsh family as they grieved. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama also noted the girl's tragic death. 'We continue to pray for the victims' loved ones, the survivors, those who are still missing, and our brave first responders as search and rescue efforts continue in Texas,' she said in a post on social media platform X. TANYA BURWICK Tanya Burwick, 62, had been reported missing early Friday and was last seen driving in the San Angelo area, which was also affected by rising floodwaters. Police investigating her disappearance found her unoccupied SUV fully submerged in floodwaters later that day. When search efforts became too dangerous by evening, police suspended operations until the following morning. That's when Burwick's body was found just blocks from her vehicle. 'Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Burwick's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,' the San Angelo Police Department said in a Facebook post. 'We ask that the public continue to keep the Burwick family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy.' Police in San Angelo said more than 12,000 houses, barns and other buildings have been affected by the floods in the community of roughly 100,000 people. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Time Business News
Texas Flood: Camp Mystic Flooding Leaves Dozens Missing—A Community Grieves and Hopes, 7 Devastating Facts
Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian all-girls summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, has been ravaged by unprecedented flash flooding, leaving at least 24 people dead and more than 20 campers missing. The disaster, which struck in the early hours of Friday, July 4, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the Hill Country region and across the United States, as families, officials, and first responders grapple with the scale of the tragedy and the urgent search for survivors. The aftermath of the Camp Mystic flooding has left families grappling with a mix of hope and heartbreak. Parents and relatives of the missing campers have set up makeshift information centers in nearby churches and community halls, clinging to any updates from rescue teams. Volunteers have poured in from neighboring towns, providing food, blankets, and emotional support to those anxiously waiting for news. The uncertainty is palpable, with every phone call or official statement sending waves of emotion through the gathered crowds. Many families have described the agony of not knowing whether to mourn or to hope, as the hours stretch on and the search continues. Mental health professionals have been dispatched to the area to help survivors and families process the trauma. Counselors are working with both children and adults, addressing the shock of the disaster and the grief of loss. For the young campers who survived, the experience has been deeply unsettling—many witnessed the destruction of their cabins and the frantic efforts to reach higher ground. Some are struggling with survivor's guilt, while others are haunted by memories of the chaos and fear during the flood. The camp's leadership has pledged ongoing support for those affected, promising to provide counseling and community events to aid in the healing process. The flooding has also reignited debates about the safety of summer camps located near rivers and flood-prone areas. Experts are calling for a comprehensive review of emergency preparedness protocols, including the installation of advanced warning systems, improved evacuation plans, and regular safety drills. Parents and advocacy groups are demanding stricter regulations for camps, emphasizing the need for clear communication channels and real-time weather monitoring. The tragedy at Camp Mystic is likely to influence policy discussions at both the state and national levels, as lawmakers seek to prevent similar disasters in the future. The flash flooding began around 4 a.m. on Friday after torrential overnight rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to surge more than 20 feet within a matter of hours. The National Weather Service had forecast three to six inches of rain, but the actual deluge far exceeded expectations, overwhelming the riverbanks and inundating homes, camps, and roads across Kerr County. The floodwaters rose so rapidly that evacuation orders could not be issued in time, catching hundreds off guard. Camp Mystic, which was hosting approximately 750 girls for its summer session, was hit particularly hard. The camp's location on low-lying ground near the river made it vulnerable to the sudden onslaught of water. As the floodwaters swept through the campus, cabins were submerged, vehicles were washed away, and communication lines were cut off. The camp quickly lost power, water, and Wi-Fi, complicating rescue and communication efforts. By Friday evening, officials confirmed that between 23 and 25 girls from Camp Mystic were unaccounted for, with two campers—Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt—tragically found dead. The search for the missing continues, with more than 400 personnel, including nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones, deployed to scour the area. Some survivors were found clinging to trees, while others were rescued from rooftops and stranded vehicles. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, acting as governor while Greg Abbott was on vacation, addressed the crisis in a press conference, assuring parents that every effort was being made to locate the missing. 'If they are alive and safe, we will find them and bring them home to you,' he said, urging families to await direct communication from the camp or authorities. The camp's management echoed this message, stating that if parents had not been contacted, their child was accounted for. The response has been massive, with federal and state agencies coordinating closely. President Donald Trump called the flooding 'terrible' and 'shocking,' promising federal aid and support for ongoing rescue operations. A disaster declaration was signed for 15 counties, allowing for round-the-clock search and rescue missions. Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic has stood as a cherished institution for nearly a century, dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, resilience, and lifelong friendships among young girls. Its website emphasizes the camp's ideals: 'be a better person for being at Mystic' and 'let Mystic bring out the best in them.' The tragedy has deeply affected not only the families of those missing but also generations of alumnae and the broader community. The emotional toll is profound. Parents and relatives have gathered in nearby towns, anxiously awaiting news. Many have turned to social media and local Facebook groups for updates, sharing messages of hope and support. The camp's owners, Dick and Tweety Eastland, have expressed heartbreak over the disaster, noting that the camp has remained in their family for generations. 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Despite the devastation, stories of neighborly heroism and generosity abound, with residents banding together to clear debris, offer shelter, and support one another through the crisis. As investigations continue, attention is also turning to the long-term impact on Camp Mystic itself. The camp's future remains uncertain, with questions about rebuilding, liability, and the emotional readiness of families to return. Alumni from across the country have sent messages of solidarity and offers of assistance, determined to preserve the camp's legacy. For now, the focus remains on the search for the missing, the comfort of the bereaved, and the lessons that must be learned to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. Author Credits TIME BUSINESS NEWS
San Francisco Chronicle
4 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
An Alabama elementary student and a camp director among those killed in devasting Texas floods
A beloved director of Texas summer camp for girls. An Alabama elementary student away from home. A woman found dead after an intensive search. These are a few of the dozens of victims lost in devastating flooding in Texas. The flooding in central Texas originated from the fast-moving waters on the Guadalupe River on Friday, killing more than 50 people, including 15 children. Authorities say search and rescue efforts are still underway for dozens missing from a summer camp for girls. JANE RAGSDALE Jane Ragsdale, 68, devoted her life to the Heart O'the Hills Camp, a summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country. She was a camper and counselor there herself in the 1970s before becoming a co-owner. By the 1980s, she was director of the camp in Hunt. 'She was the heart of The Heart,' the camp said in a statement. 'She was our guiding light, our example, and our safe place. She had the rare gift of making every person feel seen, loved, and important.' Since the camp was between sessions, no children were staying there when the floodwaters rose. The camp's facilities, directly in the path of the flood, were extensively damaged and access to the site remained difficult, according to camp officials. The camp has been in existence since the 1950s. Camp officials said Ragsdale would be remembered for her strength and wisdom. 'We are heartbroken. But above all, we are grateful,' the camp said. 'Grateful to have known her, to have learned from her, and to carry her light forward.' In a 2015 oral history for the Kerr County Historical Commission, Ragsdale, whose first name was Cynthie, but went by her middle name Jane, talked about how her father was also a camp director and how much she enjoyed her experiences. 'I loved every minute of camp from the first time I stepped foot in one,' she recalled. Videos of Ragsdale strumming a guitar and singing to campers during a recent session were posted in a memorial on the camp's Facebook page: 'Life is good today. So keep singing 'til we meet, again.' SARAH MARSH Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh from Alabama had been attending Camp Mystic in Texas, a longtime Christian girls camp in Hunt where several others were killed in the floods. Several dozen children were still missing early Sunday. Marsh was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary in suburban Birmingham. 'This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community,' Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch said in a Facebook post. 'Sarah's passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her." He said the community — where about 20,000 people reside — would rally behind the Marsh family as they grieved. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama also noted the girl's tragic death. 'We continue to pray for the victims' loved ones, the survivors, those who are still missing, and our brave first responders as search and rescue efforts continue in Texas,' she said in a post on social media platform X. TANYA BURWICK Tanya Burwick, 62, had been reported missing early Friday and was last seen driving in the San Angelo area, which was also affected by rising floodwaters. Police investigating her disappearance found her unoccupied SUV fully submerged in floodwaters later that day. When search efforts became too dangerous by evening, police suspended operations until the following morning. That's when Burwick's body was found just blocks from her vehicle. 'Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Burwick's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,' the San Angelo Police Department said in a Facebook post. 'We ask that the public continue to keep the Burwick family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy.' Police in San Angelo said more than 12,000 houses, barns and other buildings have been affected by the floods in the community of roughly 100,000 people.
