A devastating flash flood along the Guadalupe River in Texas has claimed the lives of 51 people, including several young girls attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. The tragedy unfolded early Friday morning, July 4, as floodwaters swept through the area while most residents and campers were still asleep. A flood warning had been issued at 4 a.m., but the storm’s intensity left little time to react.
Young Lives Lost at Camp Mystic
Among those confirmed to have passed away are five young campers:
- Renee Smajstrla, 8
- Sarah Marsh, 8
- Janie Hunt, 9
- Lila Bonner, 9
- Eloise Peck, 8
Their sudden loss has left families, friends, and the community in deep mourning.
Camp Mystic director Dick Eastland was also among the deceased. According to reports, he died while trying to help campers escape rising waters. Jane Ragsdale, the director of the nearby Heart O’ The Hills Camp, also lost her life, even though her camp was not in session at the time.
Photos from inside Camp Mystic revealed the storm’s impact—mud-covered mattresses, scattered belongings, and broken walls. Floodwaters surged high enough to reach cabin windows and carry away entire structures.
Eyewitness Accounts
Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper who was safely evacuated, told ABC30, “The camp was completely destroyed. A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.”
Ashley Flack, whose daughter Annie survived, expressed both relief and concern: “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.”
Remembering the Campers
Families have begun sharing heartfelt tributes to the children they lost:
- Renee Smajstrla’s family posted a photo of her smiling at camp just before the tragedy. “She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic,” her uncle wrote.
- Sarah Marsh’s grandmother, Debbie Ford Marsh, said, “Our sweet Sarah is gone. She was a beautiful, spunky ray of light.”
- Eloise Peck’s mother, Missy, recalled, “Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals.”
Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck were both second graders at Bradfield Elementary School, according to Fox 4.
Flash flooding has affected multiple counties throughout Texas. More than 850 people have been rescued, with additional injuries and fatalities reported in Travis, Kendall, Tom Green, and Burnet counties.
Governor Greg Abbott has extended a disaster declaration to 21 counties and deployed over 1,000 state responders. The Coast Guard and Texas National Guard are aiding in search efforts using aircraft and helicopters.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted that while search and rescue missions are still active, the focus may soon shift toward recovery.
National Response and Ongoing Concerns
Former President Donald Trump released a statement offering support, saying his team is working with Texas leaders and that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will visit the area. “Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” he wrote.
As heavy rain continues to threaten parts of Texas, including the San Antonio and Waco regions, officials warn that further flash flooding is possible. Recovery efforts remain difficult, and many families are still waiting for news about missing loved ones.
This heartbreaking event has shaken communities across Texas, and support continues to pour in for those affected. Our thoughts remain with all the families as search efforts continue and the healing process begins.
