Camp Mystic Campers Among Over 80 Killed in Texas Flash Flood Disaster
A heartbreaking tragedy has struck Central Texas, where deadly flash floods have killed over 80 people, including campers and counselors from the historic Camp Mystic in Kerr County. The catastrophe has left the entire state in mourning, as search crews continue to look for 10 individuals still missing in the aftermath of one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history.
The flash flooding occurred during the early hours of July 5, when the Guadalupe River, swollen from torrential rainfall, surged more than 30 feet in under an hour. Many of the victims were children and young adults attending Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian summer camp nestled in the Texas Hill Country.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 68 of the fatalities occurred within the county, including 28 children. Among the victims was Dick Eastland, Camp Mystic’s longtime director, who died while attempting to evacuate campers from rising waters. Ten girls and one counselor from the camp are still unaccounted for, prompting an all-out search effort involving helicopters, boats, drones, and ground teams.
“This is a devastating loss for our community,” said Sheriff Leitha. “We will not stop searching until every missing person is found.”
More than 850 people have been rescued so far, many from flooded cabins, vehicles, and trees where they sought refuge. The unprecedented flooding has shocked even seasoned emergency responders, who described the river’s rise as “sudden and unforgiving.”
President Donald Trump declared a federal disaster area in Kerr County, unlocking critical federal assistance for search, rescue, and recovery operations. Governor Greg Abbott also declared a state of emergency across multiple counties and called for a statewide day of prayer in honor of the victims.
Meteorologists attribute the disaster to a rare and intense mesoscale convective system that stalled over the region, dropping several inches of rain in a matter of hours. The Guadalupe River—already near capacity—overflowed at a record rate, sweeping through campsites, roads, and small towns with terrifying force.
The tragedy has also sparked concern about the effectiveness of local emergency warning systems. Many residents reported receiving little or no advance notice of the flooding. Sirens reportedly failed to activate in some parts of Kerr County, despite flood warnings from the National Weather Service.
Camp Mystic, established in 1926, is beloved by generations of families in Texas and beyond. The deaths of young campers have deeply shaken communities across the state, prompting vigils, fundraisers, and messages of support.
As Central Texas continues rescue and recovery efforts, the region is bracing for more rain in the coming days. Officials urge all residents to remain alert and heed flood warnings as search crews work tirelessly to locate those still missing.
This tragic event highlights the deadly power of flash floods in Texas and underscores the urgent need for stronger preparedness, faster alerts, and more resilient infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
