Bodies of two campers found, death toll rises to 27 after devastating Texas flood
Two young girls tragically lost their lives after a devastating flood swept through Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian camp in Hunt, Texas. The campers, identified as Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, were among the 27 people who lost their lives in the flood, according to A Voice for the Voiceless, a nonprofit organization advocating for the missing and crime victims.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that between 23 and 25 campers were initially missing after the flood. The camp, which had a total of 750 attendees at the time of the disaster, was hit hard by the sudden rise of the Guadalupe River due to heavy rain.
Families of the missing campers have been anxiously waiting at reunification centers, hoping to be reunited with their loved ones. Ingram Elementary School in Ingram, Texas, and The Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville, Texas, have been designated as the reunification centers for families seeking information about their missing relatives.
Parents were reassured by Camp Mystic that if they had not been contacted directly, it meant that their child was accounted for. However, some families are still desperately searching for answers. Ellen Toranzo and Carrie Hanna confirmed that their daughters, Greta Toranzo and Hadley Hanna, respectively, are among the missing campers.
Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, shared her harrowing experience of being evacuated by helicopter after wading through floodwaters. She described the camp as being completely destroyed by the flood. The National Guard was deployed to assist in the rescue efforts, with helicopters and military vehicles used for evacuations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for 15 counties affected by the floods and deployed over 1,000 state responders along with 800 vehicles and equipment assets. President Donald Trump expressed his shock and sorrow over the tragedy, promising federal aid to the state of Texas.
Vice President JD Vance offered his prayers and condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for national unity in the face of such a devastating event. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office is urging those with missing loved ones to contact the Red Cross for information.
As the community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of the flood, the nation stands in solidarity with those affected by this tragic event. The road to recovery will be long, but with support and resilience, the community of Camp Mystic will emerge stronger than before.
