It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news no one ever wished to hear: 10-year-old Jasmine “Jassy” Whitherspoon, a vibrant and beloved camper at Camp Mystic, has been found, but not in the way her family, friends, and community had hoped and prayed for. Jassy tragically lost her life in the catastrophic flash floods that swept through the campgrounds along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas on July 4, 2025, turning a summer of joy and adventure into an unimaginable tragedy.
After days of agonizing uncertainty, Jassy’s family confirmed the heartbreaking truth through a statement shared with the public:
“Our little Jasmine (Jassy) has been confirmed deceased by authorities. Our beautiful girl was kind, loving, and full of joy. She loved God, horses, and the outdoors. She couldn’t wait to make friends and memories at Camp Mystic… and instead, she was swept away by the floodwaters. Our lives will never be the same. We now have to do the unimaginable — lay our little girl to rest. Please keep us in your prayers. We are heartbroken beyond words.”
Jassy was more than a name in a headline. She was a radiant child whose infectious laughter and bright smile could light up any room. Known for her kindness, bravery, and love for life, Jassy dreamed of horseback riding, forming lifelong friendships, and embracing the wonders of the outdoors at Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls in Hunt, Texas. Her presence brought warmth and joy to those around her, and her loss leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of her family and community.
**A Dream Shattered by Tragedy**
Jassy arrived at Camp Mystic filled with excitement for a summer of adventure. The camp, nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River, promised a wholesome environment where girls could grow spiritually, build self-esteem, and create cherished memories through activities like swimming, crafts, and campfires. For Jassy, it was an opportunity to step into a new space, make friends, and embrace new experiences.
Tragically, what should have been a season of joy turned into a nightmare when torrential rains triggered a catastrophic flash flood in the early hours of July 4, 2025. The Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet in under 45 minutes, overwhelming the camp’s low-lying cabins, including the “Bubble Inn,” where many of the youngest campers, like Jassy, were sleeping. The sudden deluge caught campers and staff off guard, and despite heroic efforts by camp owner Dick Eastland and counselors, who risked and, in some cases, lost their lives trying to save the children, at least 27 campers and staff perished, including Jassy.
The scale of the disaster has left the Camp Mystic community and the broader Central Texas region reeling. Among the victims were other young girls, including 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla, 9-year-old Janie Hunt, 8-year-old Sarah Marsh, 9-year-old Lila Bonner, 8-year-old Eloise Peck, 8-year-old Anna Margaret Bellows, 8-year-old Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal, 8-year-old Blakely McCrory, and 8-year-old twin sisters Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, as well as counselors like 18-year-old Chloe Childress and 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo. The camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, also died while attempting to rescue campers, a testament to his dedication to the girls in his care.
**A Community in Mourning**
The loss of Jassy and so many others has sent shockwaves through communities across Texas and beyond. Jassy, one of the few Black girls at Camp Mystic, was a shining light whose vibrant spirit touched everyone she met. Her family’s statement reflects the depth of their grief and the love they held for their daughter, who was taken far too soon. As they prepare to lay Jassy to rest, they face a journey no parent should endure, compounded by the public nature of this tragedy.
The flood’s devastating impact has raised urgent questions about safety protocols, flood preparedness, and the responsibility of institutions like Camp Mystic to protect their campers. Reports indicate that a severe flood warning was issued more than an hour before evacuation efforts began, and the camp’s reliance on outdated flood monitoring systems—previously advocated for by Dick Eastland after a 1987 flood that killed 10 teens at another nearby camp—has come under scrutiny. While Eastland’s efforts to save campers were heroic, the delay in evacuation and the lack of modern warning systems have sparked calls for accountability and reform to prevent future tragedies.
**A Call for Compassion and Action**
As we mourn Jassy’s loss and the lives of so many others, we are called to surround the Whitherspoon family and all affected families with love, compassion, and prayers. The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, and the road ahead for these families is one of profound grief. Jassy’s story also compels us to reflect on how we ensure the safety and inclusion of all children, particularly those who may feel isolated or unseen in certain spaces.
The community has rallied to support the families impacted by this tragedy. Efforts are underway to honor the memories of Jassy and her fellow campers, including funds like the “More Like Wynne” initiative established by the Naylor family to celebrate the life of another victim, Virginia Wynne Naylor. While no gesture can erase the pain of this loss, tangible support can help ease the burden on grieving families.
**How You Can Help**
To honor Jassy’s memory and support her family during this heartbreaking time, consider the following:
– **Prayers and Condolences**: Offer your thoughts and prayers for the Whitherspoon family and all those affected by the Camp Mystic tragedy.
– **Support Recovery Efforts**: Contribute to reputable organizations assisting with flood recovery and victim support in Central Texas, ensuring aid reaches those in need.
– **Advocate for Safety**: Engage in conversations about improving flood preparedness and safety measures at summer camps and other vulnerable locations to prevent future losses.
Jassy Whitherspoon’s life was a gift, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. May we honor her by fostering a world where children can chase their dreams in safety, surrounded by love and care. Let us hold her family close as they navigate this unbearable loss, and may Jassy’s bright spirit continue to shine as a beacon of hope and resilience.
