HUNT, Texas — Devastating Flash Flood at Camp Mystic Leaves 13 Dead and 23 Children Missing Along the Guadalupe River
A catastrophic flash flood tore through Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls Christian summer camp nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Central Texas, in the early hours of Friday, July 4, 2025. What was meant to be a peaceful and spiritually enriching summer retreat was transformed into a nightmare as raging floodwaters overwhelmed the campgrounds, leaving at least 13 people confirmed dead and 23 children — the vast majority of them girls — still missing as of Saturday morning.
As search and rescue efforts continue amid debris and high water, the heartbreaking reality of what occurred is slowly unfolding. Families, staff, and first responders are reeling from the loss, and a grieving community now finds itself at the epicenter of one of the deadliest natural disasters to strike the Texas Hill Country in decades.
A Torrential Deluge Strikes Without Warning
The flood was the result of an intense overnight storm system that dumped more than 10 inches of rain on parts of Kerr County in just a few hours, causing the Guadalupe River to rise with terrifying speed. At approximately 4:00 a.m., emergency sirens sounded across the area, but the deluge arrived so swiftly that many within Camp Mystic had no time to evacuate.
Camp Mystic, which has operated for nearly a century and is known for its faith-based programs, outdoor activities, and emphasis on sisterhood and personal growth, was at full capacity for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. At the time the flood hit, more than 120 campers and staff were asleep in their cabins, unaware of the disaster that was seconds away from unfolding.
Officials believe a wall of water — described by some as a “liquid freight train” — surged through the riverbank and into the campgrounds, ripping apart cabins, overturning vehicles, and sweeping people downstream in the darkness. Survivors reported waking up to loud crashing noises, screams, and the terrifying rush of water engulfing their bunks.
Survivors’ Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Those who escaped the initial surge described a frantic, horrifying scene of chaos and confusion. Some managed to climb trees or rooftops to avoid the water, while others were pulled to safety by fellow campers or staff. The current was so powerful that it dragged away entire structures, washing them downriver and leaving only splintered wood and personal belongings in its wake.
One counselor, who was among the first rescued, told authorities that she and a group of girls were forced to hold onto a tree branch for nearly 45 minutes as floodwaters churned around them, praying that rescue would arrive in time. Others described forming human chains in an effort to reach those caught in the current — efforts that likely saved lives in the absence of immediate outside help.
Many of the survivors were found soaked, shivering, and in shock hours later, clinging to debris or stranded on higher ground. Emergency medical crews set up triage tents to treat injuries ranging from hypothermia and lacerations to emotional trauma. The full scope of psychological impact is expected to unfold in the days and weeks to come.
Search and Rescue: A Race Against Time
As dawn broke on Friday, the scale of the devastation became clear. Search and rescue teams from across Central Texas, including dive units, helicopter crews, and K-9 units, were dispatched to assist in locating the missing. Airboats and drones were deployed to comb areas rendered inaccessible by road.
By late Friday evening, 13 people were confirmed dead, including both adults and children. Officials have not released any names, pending notification of families. Twenty-three children, nearly all girls between the ages of 8 and 15, remained unaccounted for as of the latest update from the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.
The search has been complicated by dangerous water conditions, widespread debris, and muddy terrain. Several areas along the Guadalupe River remain impassable, and fears of additional rainfall in the forecast have intensified the urgency of the mission. First responders are working around the clock, aided by local volunteers, ranchers, and even campers’ family members who have traveled from across the state in hopes of helping.
Families in Agony
As news of the disaster spread, families rushed to Camp Mystic and nearby shelters, desperate for information. Many arrived at the scene only to face hours of silence, clinging to photographs of their children and praying for good news. Makeshift reunification centers were set up in local churches and community halls, where officials read names of those found alive.
The emotional toll on parents and guardians has been devastating. Some were reunited with their children in tearful embraces, while others continue to wait in anguish. Counselors and therapists have been deployed to provide support to families as they navigate the unbearable uncertainty.
Local churches held prayer vigils Friday night, with candles lit for each of the missing. Entire communities stood in silence, some sobbing quietly as names were read aloud. For many, the tragedy has stirred painful memories of past floods in the region, reminding them of nature’s immense and unforgiving power.
State and National Response
Governor and state emergency officials addressed the public in a press conference Friday evening, expressing condolences and pledging full resources for the search and rescue efforts. The governor authorized the deployment of the Texas National Guard to assist with logistics and high-water rescues.
Federal agencies, including FEMA, have also begun mobilizing resources to assist with recovery efforts and family support. Mental health teams, disaster recovery specialists, and community outreach workers are expected to remain on the ground for an extended period.
“This is not just a local tragedy,” a spokesperson for the Texas Emergency Management Agency said. “This is a heartbreak that affects all of us. We are united in doing everything possible to bring every missing child home.”
Camp Mystic’s Legacy and Tragedy
Founded nearly a century ago, Camp Mystic has long been regarded as a safe haven for generations of Texas girls. Its mission, rooted in Christian values, has been to foster leadership, faith, and sisterhood in a natural setting. Many alumni have gone on to become community leaders, professionals, and mothers who, in turn, send their own daughters back to the same place that shaped them.
This year, the camp’s near-capacity enrollment reflected both its popularity and reputation for excellence. The flood, however, has shaken the very foundation of that trust.
As news of the tragedy spread, alumni from across the country took to social media to share memories, offer prayers, and express their heartbreak over the disaster. “Camp Mystic was the most transformative experience of my childhood,” one woman wrote. “I can’t fathom this happening. I’m heartbroken for every child and parent.”
The camp’s leadership has pledged full cooperation with emergency responders and has opened its records and communication logs to authorities. Staff are working to contact every family and provide updates, though they, too, are mourning losses among their own.
Environmental and Climate Questions Raised
Meteorologists confirmed that the rainfall which triggered the flood was part of an unusually intense weather system, made more dangerous by saturated ground and narrow riverbanks. While flash floods are not uncommon in the Hill Country, the speed and force of this flood exceeded forecasts, raising urgent questions about climate resilience and emergency preparedness.
Environmental scientists have noted that events of this nature — once considered rare — are occurring with greater frequency and severity, especially in regions prone to rapid rainfall accumulation. Advocacy groups are calling for greater investment in flood early warning systems, river monitoring technology, and climate adaptation plans for vulnerable areas like summer camps, schools, and residential communities.
The Path Forward
As the rescue operation continues, the focus remains on finding the missing and caring for the survivors. Local authorities are asking the public to stay away from search zones unless specifically called to assist. Donations of supplies, food, and funds are pouring in from across the state.
In the coming weeks, investigators will examine what happened in the hours leading up to the disaster. Were there warning signs? Was the camp’s emergency preparedness sufficient? Could more lives have been saved with different infrastructure or response systems? These questions will demand answers — but for now, the priority is life and dignity for every child and family involved.
Conclusion
What unfolded at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, is a tragedy of immense proportions — a sudden and merciless disaster that took lives, shattered families, and forever altered a beloved institution. Yet amid the devastation, stories of bravery, community strength, and unwavering hope continue to emerge. From counselors who risked their lives to save campers, to first responders wading through dangerous waters, the human spirit remains a light in the darkest hour.
As Texas mourns, it also prays. And as the Guadalupe River recedes, the fight to bring every child home continues with fierce resolve.
Authorities urge anyone with information or sightings of missing individuals to contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office or the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Counseling services are available locally, and donations to assist families are being coordinated through verified relief organizations.
