
Young Texas camp survivor describes harrowing moment she prepared for worst during deadly flood
'We went to bed thinking it was just a normal thunderstorm. One minute you see lightning strike next to your cabin, and next to you, you hear water's coming up,' 16-year-old Callie McAlary described on 'Fox Report.'
'And you have kids running just trying to get to other cabins, trying to get to safety. And luckily, my cabin was one of the few cabins that did not get water, but the cabins in front of us did get some water,' McAlary continued.
McAlary's mother, Tara Bradburn, also reflected on the tragic flooding, saying that despite living in Virginia now, the camp had been a huge part of their lives as McAlary had been attending the camp since she was in second grade.
'We chose this camp. I was a Texan. It was important to me that my child have Texas roots,' Bradburn shared.
5 Callie McAlary was rescued from Camp Mystic.
Fox News
'Living in Virginia, we brought her to Camp Mystic and turned her over to the Dick and Tweedy Eastland family and Camp Mystics and their staff because we knew they would love on our child. They would help her grow in her faith and live the Mystic ideals of being a better person and bringing out the best in her,' Bradburn continued.
'We are so devastated by what has happened, but truly grateful and thankful to the Eastland family for all they have done and all they've given as a family to save the children that they could.'
Bradburn weighed in on how devastating that evening was for her daughter and how fast everything turned into a nightmare.
'Even up on Senior Hill, I think that conveys to you how fast the water came up and how high it came and how it was a 100-year historic flash flood. We had never seen anything like this. And I cannot say enough about what these young counselors did to calm these girls and to ensure their safety,' Bradburn said.
5 McAlary (back left) described the harrowing ordeal as catastrophic floods pummeled Central Texas.
Tara Bradburn
McAlary continued to describe the night and the moment she realized something was terribly wrong.
'We heard one second, it was really bad thunder. I woke up to a big giant sound of thunder and lightning striking,' McAlary recalled.
'We heard one of the campers run in and say, 'hey, our cabin is flooding.'I knew some girls slept on trunks that night, some girls had to share beds, some girls slept on floors because they couldn't go back to their cabin because it was so flooded in three cabins.'
5 Officials search on the grounds of Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.
AP
In an effort to protect herself and prepare for the worst-case scenario, McAlary put a name tag on her body in the middle of the night.
'I put on my name tag because I was scared that if water was coming out next to other cabins that our cabin might be next. And I just put it on just for safekeeping… in my head I was saying, 'if something does happen, and I do get swept away, at least I'll have my name on my body,'' McAlary explained.
Bradburn shared that both her and her husband had worked for the Department of Defense and each spent 'many times in war zones on behalf of this nation,' and spoken to McAlary 'more times than she could count' about staying safe in any environment.
'This was not an environment we had ever thought we would have to prepare her for. That comment to me as a parent when she got off that helicopter and finally came into my arms and I saw this name tag on her, and it was the camp name tag she was issued on the day she arrived. It resonated with me that somewhere those little lessons that we gave her as parents years ago and throughout her life resonated with her in that moment,' Bradburn said.
5 In an effort to protect herself and prepare for the worst-case scenario, McAlary put a name tag on her body in the middle of the night.
Tara Bradburn
5 A search dog looks through a dumpster at Camp Mystic after deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, on July 5, 2025.
REUTERS
Despite her daughter being alive and safe, Bradburn said they are devastated for so many families that are missing loved ones.
'There are no answers. This is a lot emotionally for anyone. And it's something as parents, we owe our child to try to be strong for her and to ensure that she also has the help she needs moving forward,' Bradburn said.
McAlary said she is now holding on to hope that the rest of her friends and all those who are missing are found soon.
'I really hope those kids that are missing are found. I knew a lot of those kids and a lot of those kids the night before hugged me before we all went to bed. And it's hard to think about that one minute they were hugging me and the next minute they could be gone.'

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Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Texas Floods: Celebrities Speak Out as Death Toll Rises
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Several celebrities have spoken out about the devastating floods in central Texas as the death toll continues to rise. At least 82 people have been confirmed dead at the time of publication—including 28 children, The Associated Press reported. The Context Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp in Kerr County, was hit by devastating flash flooding on Friday. The Guadalupe River, which sits next to the campsite, reached 26 feet in just 45 minutes, per AP, and washed away homes in the area as well. Ten girls and a counselor are still missing. The flooding comes just weeks after torrential rain hit San Antonio. Kerr County is located approximately 65 miles northwest of the city. What To Know Texas actor Matthew McConaugheylamented the "pain" and "chaos" caused by the flooding and called for those who can to "lend a helping hand." Khloé Kardashian said she couldn't "stop thinking about the families in Texas and the overwhelming pain they're going through." The National Weather Service issued warnings on Thursday and Friday ahead of the catastrophic floods. Avery Tomasco, Emmy-winning meteorologist at CBS Austin, posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY now for western Kerr county 'This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! Life threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.' #txwx" He added: "The Guadalupe River is rising rapidly west of Kerrville. Major flooding now expected near Hunt, TX. Moderate to major flooding of the Guadalupe likely in Kerrville." That same day, Tomasco said he "reached out to Camp Mystic" but "their phone lines are either down or busy. No word yet on their status." Meteorologist Cary Burgess told Newsweek the Camp Mystic disaster was eerily similar to a 1987 Guadalupe River flood that killed 10 Christian campers. A search and recovery worker shines his flashlight through through waters near Camp Mystic on July 6, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. (L) Matthew McConaughey attends the premiere of "Sing 2" on December 12, 2021 in... A search and recovery worker shines his flashlight through through waters near Camp Mystic on July 6, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. (L) Matthew McConaughey attends the premiere of "Sing 2" on December 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (R) Jennifer Garner attends the premiere of Netflix's "Family Switch" at AMC The Grove 14 on November 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. More;;What People Are Saying President Donald Trump spoke out about the flooding, writing via Truth Social on Sunday: "I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised the National Guard on X: "The Texas National Guard has done an amazing job rescuing people in peril. They truly are Texans helping Texans. @TexasGuard" Singer Shakira said on X: "Dear San Antonio, Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the flood in Central Texas. We are donating a portion of tonight's show proceeds to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, who are providing disaster relief to the families impacted." Dear San Antonio, Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the flood in Central Texas. We are donating a portion of tonight's show proceeds to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, who are providing disaster relief to the families impacted. If you would like to join me in... — Shakira (@shakira) July 5, 2025 Khloé Kardashian posted via her Instagram Stories: "I can't stop thinking about the families in Texas and the overwhelming pain they're going through right now. As a mother, this kind of tragedy hits in a place words can't reach. The loss of those sweet, innocent children is something I can't fully process, there are just no words for this. My heart is so deeply aching for every parent, every family member, and every community. Please know that so many of us are carrying you in our hearts right now and I'm praying with everything I have in me for those still missing. Texas, we are holding you close." Her mother, Kris Jenner, wrote on her Instagram Stories: "My heart is absolutely shattered by the devastating floods in Texas and the unimaginable loss of those precious children. It's a tragedy that's impossible to comprehend and heartbreaking beyond measure. No family should ever have to experience such sorrow. Life is so fragile, and at times unbearably unfair. To the families living this nightmare, we are holding you in our hearts, praying for strength, and grieving alongside you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and praying with all my heart that those still missing are found safe." Matthew McConaughey said on Instagram: "At least 70 lives have been lost, many more unaccounted for, and countless Texans are hurting—inside and out. If you're able, please lend a helping hand where and how you can. It's gonna be a long road ahead, but right now the shock, the pain, and the chaos need the steady hand of a neighbor. Texans are some of the most resilient and generous people on the planet." Singer Maren Morris posted to Instagram: "thinking of my home state right now. the floods are devastating and people are still missing. there are several places to donate but i'll be donating to an incredibly impactful fund called the Texas Hill Country Community Foundation. they've set up a specific fund to support local efforts (nonprofits, local government, first responders and local shelters). link in my stories + bio." Country singer Miranda Lambert shared a video to Instagram and captioned it: "Texas needs our help. As always @muttnation Foundation is jumping in to support, and if you'd like to join us please support our fundraiser." Actress Jamie Lee Curtis reshared a post to her Instagram Stories by radio host Anne Hudson of a group of girls at Camp Mystic: "This entire cabin of sweet girls and their two counselors washed away... Several bodies have been recovered, several are still missing. Praying hard that they find survivors and praying extra hard for the families who are living a parent's worst nightmare." Actress Jennifer Garner wrote on her Instagram Stories: "Texas. God, be near." John Rich, one half of the country music duo Big & Rich, stated on X: "Thinking of our neighbors in Texas. In 1987, this exact same thing happened. What a horrific situation." Former first lady of California Maria Shriver took to her Instagram, writing: "Today my prayers are with the families in Texas impacted by the flooding on the Guadalupe River in Central Texas. Right now they need us all to hold them in a circle of love. Let's unite to hold them, pray for them, and pray for the safe return of the more than 2 dozen girls from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, northeast of San Antonio, who were still unaccounted for by late Saturday morning. As a parent myself, my heart is with absolutely everyone who is feeling this loss. #abovethenoise" What Happens Next Search and rescue operations entered a fourth day on Monday as authorities continue to look for those who are still unaccounted for in the floods.


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