Texas Floods Kill 51, Including Young Campers at Camp Mystic
Severe flash floods struck Central Texas on July 4, causing devastation along the Guadalupe River and resulting in the deaths of at least 51 people. Among the victims were several children attending the Christian girls’ summer camp, Camp Mystic.
The floods began in the early morning hours, around 4 a.m., when most people were still asleep. The sudden rise in water swept through homes, cabins, and campsites. At Camp Mystic, five young girls — Renee Smajstrla (8), Sarah Marsh (8), Janie Hunt (9), Lila Bonner (9), and Eloise Peck (8) — lost their lives as floodwaters overwhelmed the camp.
Camp director Dick Eastland also died while trying to help evacuate children from their cabins. Jane Ragsdale, director of the nearby Heart O’ The Hills Camp, was also among the victims. According to local officials, 27 girls from the camp were swept away, and some are still missing. A 13-year-old camper described the scene as terrifying, saying helicopters came in to rescue people.
Families of the victims have shared heartfelt tributes, remembering the children as joyful, loving, and full of life. One parent said their daughter had been “living her best life at camp” just before the tragedy.
Across Texas, more than 850 people have been rescued, and emergency teams continue search and recovery efforts. Governor Greg Abbott extended the disaster declaration to 21 counties and mobilized state resources. The Coast Guard and Texas National Guard are using aircraft and helicopters for search operations.
President Trump expressed condolences and said federal agencies are coordinating with Texas officials. As more rain is expected, authorities warn of further flooding risks in areas like San Antonio and Waco, making rescue efforts more difficult. Search and recovery operations are still ongoing, and officials remain focused on locating the missing and supporting affected families.
