HUNT, Texas — A catastrophic flash flood swept through Camp Mystic, a well-known all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, early Friday morning, leaving at least 13 people dead and 23 children, mostly girls, still missing.
The flood was triggered by a series of powerful overnight storms that caused the Guadalupe River to rise by more than 22 feet in just 30 minutes. By morning, the river had surged to 30 feet near Comfort, Texas—shattering long-standing flood records and overwhelming the riverside campgrounds.
Authorities have launched a massive search and rescue operation, with Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick confirming that approximately 23 children remain unaccounted for as of 3:30 p.m. Friday. The rescue operation includes between 400 to 500 personnel and 18 helicopters combing the region by land and air. Some children were reportedly rescued from trees, while others were found trapped inside vehicles carried away by the surging waters.
“This is a mass casualty event,” said Freeman Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. “We are doing everything in our power to locate and rescue every child and staff member affected.”
Among the missing are Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, campers who were staying in the “Bubble Inn” cabin. Families have confirmed their daughters’ disappearance, along with that of at least 20 other girls. One family also reported that Hadley Hanna, a camper from Dallas, is still missing.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 13 fatalities so far but cautioned that the number may increase as recovery efforts continue.
Despite early confusion and conflicting reports, families are beginning to receive confirmation about the status of their loved ones—some with heart-wrenching news, others still clinging to hope.
Camp Mystic, located in the scenic Hill Country, is a longstanding summer tradition for many Texas families. The sudden disaster has stunned the community and drawn national attention.
Emergency teams continue their work through treacherous conditions as families gather near the site, anxiously awaiting word.
