A catastrophic flash flood that tore through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend has claimed at least 79 lives, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a historic all-girls Christian camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.
Camp officials confirmed the devastating loss on Monday, stating that the floodwaters engulfed the riverside camp with little warning overnight Friday. The camp, which has served generations of Texas families for more than a century, is now at the heart of one of the deadliest flood disasters in U.S. history in decades.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” Camp Mystic said in a statement posted to its website. “We are praying for them constantly.”
The deadly flood was triggered by an intense downpour that dropped nearly 10 inches of rain within hours, causing the Guadalupe River to rise a staggering 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Waters surged into cabins and tents as most campers were sleeping.
Among those killed was Camp Mystic director Richard “Dick” Eastland, who died while trying to save children as the waters surged through the campgrounds. His son confirmed Eastland’s death late Sunday.
“He died doing what he’s done his whole life — protecting those girls,” the younger Eastland said.
Officials say search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with over 1,000 volunteers scouring debris-laden riverbanks and flooded terrain, some of it snake-infested. Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday that at least 41 people remain unaccounted for across the state. Kerr County alone has reported 68 fatalities, including 28 children. Twelve additional deaths occurred in neighboring counties.
Families of campers were allowed into the devastated campgrounds on Sunday. One family left with a blue footlocker, a tearful teenage girl gazing out the car window at the wreckage left behind. Crews with heavy machinery continued clearing tree trunks and debris from the river, as hopes of finding more survivors faded by the hour.
One particularly harrowing rescue involved a cabin of girls who were led across a footbridge using a rope line strung by first responders, water surging around their legs.
Survivors across the region have recounted terrifying stories — being swept from homes, clinging to trees, or seeking refuge in attics. Reagan Brown, a resident of nearby Hunt, said his elderly parents rescued their 92-year-old neighbor before riding out the storm with others in a toolshed on higher ground.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a flood watch Thursday, predicting up to seven inches of isolated rainfall. But the intensity of the storm far surpassed expectations. The first flash flood warning came at 1:14 a.m. Friday, with a flash flood emergency — the highest alert level — not issued until nearly three hours later.
The delayed warnings have drawn scrutiny from local residents and officials alike.
“We are committed to a full review of the emergency response,” Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said Monday. “Lives were lost. We have to ask the hard questions.”
President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday and is expected to visit the area Friday. “It’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible,” he said from the White House.
In the wake of tragedy, the community has come together. Volunteers continue working alongside first responders. Churches, schools, and local businesses have offered shelter and supplies.
But grief is palpable — especially at Camp Mystic, where counselors and children shared bunk beds, sang hymns, and prayed before meals just days ago.
“We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls,” the camp stated.
