Early Friday morning heavy rainfall hit Texas area, causing the Guadalupe River to flood parts of the campsite Mystic. Two girls, aged 4 and 10, were found dead after an extensive search operation. Find out more in the article below.
Intense Flooding Hits Kerr County
Overnight thunderstorms dumped more than 9 inches (23 cm) of rain across Kerr County, triggering a flash flood that overwhelmed the normally calm river. The National Weather Service had issued multiple warnings, but the speed and intensity of the rainfall caught many off guard. Roads and bridges quickly became impassable, and several low-lying areas were submerged within minutes. Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp that hosts hundreds of children each year, was among the places affected. According to officials, floodwaters reached parts of the camp located closest to the river’s edge, where some children and counselors were sleeping in cabins or outdoor tents.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Emergency crews responded swiftly after receiving distress calls around 5 a.m. Search and rescue teams from multiple agencies—including the Kerrville Fire Department, Texas Game Wardens, and local sheriff’s deputies—joined forces to find the missing girls. Boats, helicopters, and trained K-9 units were deployed as the search area expanded into surrounding wooded regions and riverbanks. Sadly, after several hours of searching, the bodies of the two girls were discovered. The 10-year-old was found first, while the 4-year-old was located a short time later. Their names have not been released publicly out of respect for the families.
Camp Mystic Responds
Camp Mystic officials released a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow over the tragedy. “We are devastated by this loss,” the statement read. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families affected. We are working closely with authorities and offering grief support to our campers and staff.” The camp immediately suspended all further activities and began the process of notifying parents. Counselors were also offered crisis counseling and psychological support following the incident.
Community in Mourning
The Kerrville community, along with people across Texas, has rallied around the families of the victims. Vigils, prayer groups, and memorial services are being planned, and a GoFundMe page has already raised thousands of dollars to support the grieving families. Local churches have opened their doors to provide shelter and emotional support, while mental health professionals have been made available to help children cope with the traumatic experience.
Warnings for the Future
This incident has reignited discussions about the risks of outdoor camps near water sources during severe weather seasons. Experts urge parents and camp organizers to be vigilant and prepared, especially during the summer months when flash flooding can occur with little warning. Texas officials emphasized the importance of monitoring weather alerts and creating robust emergency evacuation plans. “What happened here was a tragedy, but we hope it serves as a reminder that nature can be unpredictable,” said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of two young girls at Camp Mystic have left a lasting impact on their families, the camp community, and the entire Kerrville area. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that better preparedness and awareness can prevent future tragedies of this kind.
