Camp Mystic announced a heartbreaking update Monday saying 27 campers and counselors have now been confirmed dead in the devastating flash floods in Texas.
Rescue workers search for missing people in flood-damaged Hunt, Texas. AP
A volunteer surveys flood damage while clearing debris near an overturned trailer. AFP via Getty Images
A search dog looks through a dumpster at Camp Mystic after deadly flooding ravaged the area. REUTERS“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” the camp posted on its website.
Camp officials said they’ve been in contact with local and state authorities “who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.”
Pals Eloise Peck (left) and Lila Bonner were both killed in the flooding. Keenan Willard/X
Janie Hunt, a relative of Kansas City Chief owner Clark Hunt, was killed in the flooding. CNN Weather
Renee Smajstrla was among the dead from devastating flooding in Texas. Shawn Salta /Facebook
Sarah Marsh is one of the many killed in the Texas floods. Debbie Marsh /FacebookThe all-girls Christian summer camp is located along the banks of the Guadalupe River, which surged more than 26 feet in less than an hour before dawn Friday.
Kerr County officials had said Sunday night that they were still searching for several girls and one counselor.
The Llano River swelled with floodwater in Llano County, Texas, on July 4. Robert Ivey via StoryfulFollow The Post’s coverage on the deadly Texas flooding
- Camp Mystic survivors heard screams in the dark as floodwaters hit hours earlier than previously thought
- Camp Mystic co-owner waited 45 minutes to evacuate campers after getting urgent ‘life-threatening’ flash floods alert
- Texas flood volunteers ordered to evacuate as heavy rainfall expected to strike devastated region
- Texas family mourns 8-year-old daughter confirmed dead in Camp Mystic flood disaster
Surveillance footage shows authorities blocking off a low water crossing over the Llano River in Kingsland just before flash flooding completely inundated the area in just 10 minutes. Robert Ivey via StoryfulIt was not clear if the dead in the camp were all among the state’s overall latest tally of 82 dead or if that meant it had increased. Either way, officials have made clear they expect the harrowing toll to rise.
A family surveys the damage to their flood-ravaged home. APAmong those killed were the camp’s longtime owner Dick Eastland, who heroically died attempting to rescue campers, his grandson revealed on social media.
Camp Mystic is located in Kerr County about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio.
The flood severely damaged a road and bridge in Kerrville, Texas. Reginald Mathalone/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Aerial illustration of Camp Mystic in Texas after flooding, showing distances from the Guadalupe River and locations of senior and junior cabins. Falon Wriede / NY Post DesignIt’s been open for nearly 100 years since its founding in 1926 by former University of Texas football coach EJ “Doc” Stewart.
The camp, which provides “young girls with a wholesome Christian atmosphere,” has operated each summer except for three years during World War II, when it was leased by the US government as a recovery facility for Army Air Corps veterans, according to its website.
Search and recovery workers dig through debris looking for any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding. Getty ImagesEvery morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post’s signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here!
When the flash flood struck early Friday, the camp was less than a week into its second, four-week term with more than 700 children in residence, according to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Ten teenagers at died in 1987 in a similar flash flood tragedy along the Guadeloupe River at the nearby Pot O’ Gold Ranch.
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