Camp Counselor Emma Foltz Hailed as Hero After Saving 14 Girls in Texas Flood
The recent flash floods in Texas have led to one of the state’s deadliest natural disasters in years, with at least 81 people confirmed dead across six counties. One of the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp in Kerrville, where 27 campers and staff lost their lives, and several more remain missing.
Amid the tragedy, a powerful story of bravery has captured national attention. Emma Foltz, a 22-year-old camp counselor and senior at Louisiana Tech University, is being praised for saving the lives of 14 young girls during the flood. As the Guadalupe River rose rapidly and swept through the campgrounds, Emma acted with courage and urgency, guiding her campers to safety and ensuring they were accounted for.
Raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, Emma has worked at Camp Mystic for three summers. Her calm leadership during the chaos has been widely recognized, especially in her home state, where public officials and citizens alike are calling for her to be honored. Many have taken to social media, thanking her for her heroic actions, with comments like:
“You saved 14 little girls’ lives. That can never be repaid,” and “May your bravery be remembered forever.”
Survivors described how quickly the situation escalated. Amanda Sue Jones, who was camping nearby, told CNN that the water came “like a wall,” and that cabins were swept away within minutes. She said even though they were monitoring water levels throughout the night, the evacuation came too late for many.
Camp Mystic released a statement mourning the lives lost, expressing their heartbreak and asking for privacy and continued prayers for the affected families. “May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us,” the statement read.
President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster in the region, and rescue efforts are ongoing, with emergency teams working day and night.
In a time of immense sorrow, Emma Foltz’s actions stand as a symbol of hope, courage, and selflessness. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, ordinary people can rise with extraordinary strength to protect others.
