Flash floods along Texas’ Guadalupe River have left 51 people dead, including several children from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp, with several others still unaccounted for.
The disaster struck in the early hours on Friday (July 4) when a flood alert was issued at 4AM while most residents and campers were asleep.
The powerful surge overtook Camp Mystic, where five young girls have now been confirmed among the dead: Renee Smajstrla, eight; Sarah Marsh, eight; Janie Hunt, nine; Lila Bonner, nine; and Eloise Peck, eight.
According to KSAT, Camp Mystic director Dick Eastland died while attempting to rescue campers from their cabins as floodwaters rose, while Jane Ragsdale, director of nearby Heart O' The Hills Camp, also died during the flooding despite that camp not being in session, Houston Chronicle reported.
Images from inside the camp captured the destruction: caked mud on pink and purple bedding, scattered backpacks, and a soaked stuffed animal lying on outdoor steps next to twisted clothing.
The flooding reached halfway up the cabin windows and swept away entire walls, leaving belongings tangled in trees and shrubbery.
"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."
Local officials said 27 girls from Camp Mystic were swept away, some in cabins that washed out entirely, though rescue efforts brought some back to safety.
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.”
The family of Renee Smajstrla has shared a statement about their heartbreak after the eight-year-old was confirmed to have tragically passed away.
“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.”
The two girls had just finished second grade at Bradfield Elementary School, per Fox 4.
At least 858 people have been rescued statewide, with eight injured. Four deaths were reported in Travis County, with additional fatalities in Kendall, Tom Green, and Burnet counties, per NBC News.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly warned that while search and rescue efforts continue, the mission would soon transition into recovery.
Gov. Greg Abbott has expanded the disaster declaration to 21 counties, deploying more than 1,000 state responders.
The Texas National Guard is conducting helicopter search missions, while the Coast Guard has sent fixed-wing aircraft to assist.
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."
"Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" he added.
Search efforts continue as additional rain is forecast for the San Antonio to Waco corridor, extending the threat of flash flooding and complicating recovery for families who have lost loved ones and for those still waiting for news.