Bodies of 3 campers found, death toll rises to 32 after devastating Texas flood
Officials in Kerr County, Texas have confirmed a devastating loss of life following a flood that swept through the area, with at least 32 people dead and more than 27 young girls missing. Among the casualties were three young girls who were staying at Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian retreat in Hunt, Texas.
Anne Hunt, a grieving mother, confirmed that her daughter Janie was one of the campers who tragically lost their lives in the flood. Another camper, Renee Smajstrla, was also identified as deceased by A Voice for the Voiceless, a nonprofit organization. The identity of a third deceased camper has been withheld at the request of the family.
Kerr County officials revealed that of the 32 fatalities, 18 were adults and 14 were children. Five of the adults and three of the children remain unidentified. The flood took place while there were 750 attendees at the camp.
Rep. Chip Roy shared photos showing the extent of the damage at Camp Mystic, with buildings either washed away or reduced to rubble. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly expressed heartbreak over the tragic loss of life, noting that nobody could have foreseen the disaster.
Jane Ragsdale, the camp director and co-owner of Heart O’ the Hills, was among the casualties. The nearby camp was empty at the time of the flood as it was between sessions. The camp paid tribute to Ragsdale, describing her as a strong and joyful woman who embodied the camp’s spirit.
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to offer condolences and assure that the administration was coordinating with state and local authorities in response to the tragedy. Families have been gathering at reunification centers in hopes of finding their missing loved ones.
Two campers, Greta Toranzo and Hadley Hanna, remain unaccounted for as the search continues. Ellen Toranzo and Carrie Hanna, the mothers of the missing girls, are anxiously waiting for updates.
Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester recounted being evacuated by helicopter after wading through floodwaters at Camp Mystic, which she described as completely destroyed. The National Guard was deployed to assist in rescue efforts after heavy rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised the U.S. Coast Guard for their efforts in rescuing over 200 lives. Texas deployed a large number of state responders and resources to aid in the search and rescue operations.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a federal disaster and emergency for 15 counties affected by the flood. He emphasized the importance of prayer during this difficult time and pledged to continue searching for every missing person.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with missing loved ones to contact the Red Cross for information. The nation mourns the loss in Texas and offers thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this tragic event.
