HUNT, TEXAS — The Guadalupe River community and families across Texas are grieving following a devastating flooding event that overwhelmed Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp for girls located along the riverbanks in Hunt, Texas. Authorities have confirmed the death of Mary Jacobe, a young camper from Houston, as part of the ongoing response to this unprecedented tragedy. The incident has drawn attention statewide as the search continues for others still unaccounted for.
The flooding occurred after torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to swell rapidly overnight, far exceeding normal flood stages. According to officials in Kerr County, where Hunt is located, the river’s water level rose with alarming speed, leaving little time for many of those at Camp Mystic to evacuate. Emergency responders, local law enforcement, and Texas state agencies have been working tirelessly since the event to recover victims, provide support to survivors, and piece together how such a disaster unfolded.
In total, officials have confirmed that at least 27 individuals—mostly young campers and camp staff—have lost their lives due to the flooding. Rescue teams remain active in the area, searching for five campers and one counselor who are still unaccounted for as of the latest update. These search operations involve boats, helicopters, drones, and ground teams combing through debris fields left by the powerful waters.
Mary Jacobe’s death has had a profound impact on her hometown of Houston. Friends, family members, classmates, and neighbors have come together to remember her as a bright, kindhearted, and joyful presence in their lives. Local churches and community centers in Houston have opened their doors for memorial gatherings and grief counseling, underscoring the depth of the loss felt by all who knew her.
The tragedy has also raised urgent questions about safety procedures and emergency preparedness at Camp Mystic. The camp, established over 100 years ago, has long been seen as a cherished summer tradition for many families across Texas. Generations of young girls have spent their summers there participating in activities such as swimming, horseback riding, and spiritual reflection. However, this legacy is now under intense scrutiny as investigators work to determine how much warning the camp received about the impending storm and whether proper evacuation protocols were followed.
According to early reports from state emergency management officials, weather alerts and flood warnings had been issued several hours before the worst of the rain hit the region. Residents in surrounding communities had already begun preparing for possible flooding conditions. What remains unclear is whether these warnings were communicated effectively to the leadership at Camp Mystic and whether the camp had an actionable flood response plan in place.
Survivors of the event have described a terrifying scene. Those who made it out of the camp safely reported that the river seemed to rise almost instantaneously, turning calm campgrounds into treacherous waters. Camp buildings, once thought safely positioned above the floodplain, were quickly submerged. Some campers and staff were swept away while attempting to reach higher ground.
Local authorities, including the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, have emphasized that their immediate priority remains the recovery of those still missing and providing support for affected families. At the same time, Texas state agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the events leading up to the flood.
In a public statement, Kerr County officials expressed their condolences to all families affected and reaffirmed their commitment to transparency as the investigation proceeds. “Our hearts are with all those who are mourning today. We will not rest until every question is answered, and every missing person is accounted for,” one official said during a press briefing.
The National Weather Service has confirmed that the rains leading to the flood were part of a larger weather system affecting much of central and southern Texas. While flash floods are not uncommon in the Texas Hill Country, experts noted that the volume of rain that fell in such a short time made this event particularly dangerous. Weather data indicated that the region experienced several inches of rain within just a few hours, overwhelming not just the Guadalupe River but also smaller streams and creeks in the area.
Emergency management experts have pointed out that historic camps like Camp Mystic often face unique challenges when it comes to updating infrastructure and emergency protocols. Many of these camps were established decades before modern floodplain mapping and weather alert systems were in place. Advocates for outdoor education and recreation safety have called on camps across the country to review their policies in light of this tragedy, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for extreme weather events.
For the families of those affected, however, these broader policy discussions are secondary to the overwhelming grief they now face. Across Hunt and nearby communities, churches have hosted prayer services, and flags have been lowered in memory of the lives lost. In Houston, Mary Jacobe’s school community has organized memorial activities, with classmates creating artwork and letters to honor her memory.
Online tributes have poured in, with thousands of social media posts sharing memories of those lost, offering condolences, and calling for action to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again. National organizations focused on child safety, flood preparedness, and summer camp standards have also begun weighing in, offering support to Texas families and suggesting ways communities can work together to enhance safety measures.
Meanwhile, Camp Mystic itself has remained largely closed off to the public as the investigation continues. Camp administrators have issued a brief statement expressing deep sorrow and pledging full cooperation with authorities. “Our hearts are broken by the loss experienced by so many families. We are committed to supporting those affected and working with officials to understand exactly what happened,” the statement read.
Some families have voiced frustration over what they describe as a lack of timely communication from the camp in the immediate aftermath of the flood. Parents waiting for news about their children described agonizing hours spent hoping for information, with some saying they learned more from news reports than official camp updates. This has led to calls for clearer protocols regarding how camps communicate with families during emergencies.
As the days pass, the focus is gradually shifting from rescue to recovery, and then to accountability and reform. State leaders, including members of the Texas Legislature, have indicated they will examine existing laws governing youth camps and consider new requirements to improve flood preparedness, evacuation planning, and real-time communication standards.
Across Texas, the Hunt community is receiving support from neighboring towns and cities. Donations of supplies, volunteer assistance, and counseling services have been offered. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other non-profit organizations are providing aid to both survivors and responders involved in the search and recovery efforts.
Environmental scientists are also studying the event as part of a broader analysis of changing weather patterns in the Texas Hill Country. Some experts suggest that increasing frequency and intensity of storms may require a reassessment of flood risk standards, especially for organizations operating in historically flood-prone areas.
While these long-term discussions continue, the families affected remain focused on healing. Memorials have been set up near Camp Mystic and in Hunt’s town center, where flowers, candles, and messages of hope line the sidewalks.
Mary Jacobe’s family, while requesting privacy, has shared that they are overwhelmed by the support they’ve received from friends, neighbors, and even strangers moved by the tragedy. A scholarship fund in her memory has been established to help other young girls attend summer camps, emphasizing her love of outdoor adventure and learning.
The loss felt in Hunt, Houston, and across Texas is profound. Yet alongside that grief is a shared determination: to honor the lives lost by ensuring future safety, transparency, and preparedness for all youth camps and community organizations facing the unpredictability of nature.
Authorities have confirmed that updates regarding the investigation, recovery efforts, and policy reviews will be shared with the public as they become available. Until then, Hunt, Texas, stands as a community united in both mourning and resilience.
