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Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp in Texas, confirmed that 27 children and counselors died due to flash floods that began on Friday.
Authorities in Texas reported at least 82 deaths from ongoing flash flooding, with the toll expected to rise as heavy rain continues.
Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old nondenominational Christian camp, has hosted children of Texas’s political elite, including the daughters of Lyndon B. Johnson and John Connally. Laura Bush also served as a counselor there.
Camp Mystic counselor Chloe Childress was confirmed among the flood victims. Remembered as compassionate, she was praised for making others feel safe, valued, and brave, according to a statement from her high school.
Officials have not released the number of missing from nearby camps, as life-threatening flooding persists and search efforts for the missing continue urgently.
Early Friday, the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes after heavy rainfall near San Antonio. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed at least 68 deaths in the Hill Country area, home to several summer camps. An additional 10 deaths were reported across nearby counties.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that continued heavy rains through Tuesday could cause more dangerous flooding, particularly in already saturated areas.
Kerr residents began salvaging belongings from their damaged homes, crediting neighbors’ heroism for saving lives. Meanwhile, officials faced scrutiny over the adequacy and reach of flood warnings and preparedness efforts.
Reagan Brown shared that his elderly parents escaped rising floodwaters in Hunt by fleeing uphill. When they learned their 92-year-old neighbor was trapped in her attic, they returned and rescued her.
A video on X showed Camp Mystic girls being evacuated, singing “Pass It On” and “Amazing Grace” while crossing a bridge over the still-raging Guadalupe River.
Local officials, including Judge Rob Kelly, have faced questions about flood warning systems and evacuation plans. Kelly stated that the disaster was unexpected, with “nobody seeing this coming.”
Kerr County had previously considered a tornado-style siren, but the cost was a concern. U.S. Representative Chip Roy acknowledged that there would be plenty of finger-pointing and second-guessing, as people questioned the events and preparation.
In response to criticism of the warning systems, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended the National Weather Service, claiming that timely warnings were issued and accusing mainstream media of “lying” on social media.
On Sunday, Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County to provide federal assistance. He also mentioned he would likely visit on Friday, a week after the flash floods, to avoid disrupting search and recovery efforts.
