A sudden and intense flash flood swept through Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, over the Fourth of July weekend, taking the lives of 27 campers and counselors.

Heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding that claimed at least 82 lives statewide, devastated a century-old Christian girls’ camp, and left search teams racing to locate those still missing, The Christian Post reported.

Floodwaters began rising rapidly during the early morning hours of July 4, impacting multiple counties in central Texas. Among the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a long-standing girls’ summer camp located along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Built in 1926, the camp was home to approximately 750 children when the disaster unfolded.

River Surges Nearly 25 Feet in Under an Hour

At Camp Mystic, the river’s level rose by nearly 25 feet in just 45 minutes. The intense surge left little time for evacuation. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 27 people—18 adults and nine children—at the camp had died as a result of the flood.

As of July 7, authorities reported that 11 individuals from the camp, including 10 girls and one counselor, were still unaccounted for. Over 400 emergency personnel were deployed for rescue efforts using helicopters, boats, divers, and K9 units. A total of more than 850 individuals were safely evacuated from the camp’s grounds.

Director Dick Eastland, who had led Camp Mystic for many years, was among those who lost their lives during the flooding. According to his grandson George Eastland, he died while trying to save young campers. “That’s the man my grandfather was,” George wrote. “He no longer walks this earth, but his impact will never leave the lives he touched.”

Community Grieves and Searches for Hope

In a public statement, Camp Mystic shared that it was “grieving the loss” of its campers and counselors and emphasized the deep sorrow felt by community members. “Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” the camp wrote. They thanked the local and state responders involved in ongoing search efforts.

On Sunday, July 6, Kerr County issued renewed flood warnings following heavy rainfall and saturated terrain. Families were temporarily permitted to return to the camp to look for personal belongings and to search for signs of missing loved ones. Survivors and families navigated destroyed cabins, waterlogged furniture, and scattered mementos. One camper found a sacred symbol of camp life—its iconic bell—among the debris.

Statewide, the death toll climbed to at least 82 people across six counties. Authorities reported that 41 individuals remained missing. Many victims were swept away by the fast-moving floodwaters after creeks and rivers overflowed due to relentless storms.

Emergency Response Mobilizes State and Federal Aid

Texas officials emphasized their continued efforts to identify the deceased using DNA samples provided by relatives. Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety noted that some of the bodies—both adults and children—are still awaiting identification. These samples are being processed at the University of North Texas.

President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for the state, unlocking federal resources to assist with recovery. Agencies contributing to local relief included the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas National Guard, and victim support teams. Phil Wilson of the Lower Colorado River Authority and Chief Nim Kidd from the Texas Division of Emergency Management played key roles in coordinating logistics.

Camp Mystic had been planning to celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2026, highlighting its historical significance in the region. It has hosted girls from some of Texas’ most prominent political families over the decades, including relatives of former President Lyndon B. Johnson and Laura Bush.

Former Campers Reflect on Irreplaceable Loss

As the community reels, former campers have shared heartbreaking recollections and tributes to the place that so many say shaped their lives. “It brings me to my knees,” said Kim Barnes. Shelby Patterson expressed deep sorrow while simply “mourning for what happened.”

Lauren Garcia recalled forming lifelong bonds through her time at Camp Mystic, which she called her “favorite place in the entire world.” For many, the flood has taken more than just lives and property. It has severed a deeply emotional connection to a cherished institution that symbolized growth, sisterhood, and tradition.

Sheriff Leitha acknowledged the immense toll the event has taken, stating that “hundreds of first responders were still working on all aspects of the flooding and recovery.” As rescue efforts transition into recovery, the defining task now is not only finding the missing but helping families cope with incalculable loss.

Camp Mystic leadership emphasized the need for privacy for grieving loved ones and asked for continued prayers. “May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us,” they wrote in a message addressed to families, friends, and supporters nationwide.