In a sudden twist of fate, the Kerr County flood has left Texas reeling with sorrow and disbelief. As nature turned cruel overnight, at least 43 lives were lost, including 15 children, while over 27 young girls remain unaccounted for from a Christian summer camp. Swept by fierce floodwaters after a shocking river surge, the peaceful countryside turned into a scene of heartbreak. With families waiting, camps destroyed, and officials racing against time, the disaster casts a haunting shadow over a place once filled with laughter and songs.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• 43 Dead in Kerr County Flood: Includes 15 children; 5 adult and 3 child victims still unidentified.

• Camp Mystic Tragedy: 5 young girls confirmed dead; 27 others remain missing.

• Camp Director Among Dead: Jane Ragsdale of Heart O’ the Hills remembered by colleagues.

• Rapid Water Rise: Guadalupe River surged 30 feet in 45 minutes.

• Major Response Effort: 1,300+ responders deployed; 223 lives saved with federal aid in action.

• Emotional Toll: Families wait at reunification centers, Red Cross assisting with missing cases.

A powerful and sudden flood has left a deep scar across Kerr County in central Texas, where officials confirmed that at least 43 people have lost their lives. Among the deceased are 15 children, with many more still missing after the devastating deluge swept through the area on Friday morning. What began as a regular day at summer camp turned into a harrowing tragedy as waters surged with deadly force, leaving destruction and heartbreak in their wake.

The flood’s impact was most deeply felt at Camp Mystic, a private all-girls Christian retreat in Hunt, Texas. The retreat, located near the banks of the Guadalupe River, was home to hundreds of young campers at the time of the disaster. The river, swollen by a night of relentless rainfall, rose nearly 30 feet in just 45 minutes, leaving the camp with little time to evacuate.

Officials reported that five of the deceased were campers from Camp Mystic, all young girls attending the summer program. Families across the state and beyond have been gripped by anxiety as more than 27 children remain unaccounted for. The process of identifying the dead has been painstaking, and some families are still awaiting word on their children.

One of the girls confirmed dead was Janie Hunt, whose mother, Anne Hunt, shared her heartbreak with Fox News Digital.

“She was so full of life, always laughing,” Anne said in a trembling voice. “I never imagined I would lose her like this.”

Another young victim was identified as Renee Smajstrla, whose name was released by the nonprofit A Voice for the Voiceless, which works to support families of the missing. The deaths of Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, best friends who had recently completed second grade at Bradfield Elementary School, were also confirmed. A fifth camper was reported deceased, though her family has requested her name be kept private.

In total, the county reported 28 adults and 15 children among the dead. However, five adult victims and three children have yet to be identified.

The camp was reportedly operating at full capacity with 750 attendees present when the floodwaters hit. Parents were notified by the camp that if they had not received a direct call, their child was safe. Yet for dozens of families, the silence continues.

In addition to the heartbreak at Camp Mystic, the community suffered another major loss when Jane Ragsdale, the co-owner and director of Heart O’ the Hills camp, was confirmed among the dead. Although no campers were present at Heart O’ the Hills during the flood, the facility was also severely damaged.

“We at the camp are stunned and deeply saddened by Jane’s death,” the camp said in a public statement.
“She embodied the spirit of Heart O’ the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop with the girls entrusted to us each summer.”

The flood’s force was so sudden and intense that even long-time residents were caught off guard. Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester, a camper at Camp Mystic, shared her terrifying experience with the Associated Press.

“We had to wade through the water to get to safety,” she said.
“It was rising so fast. Our cabin was on higher ground, but the ones near the river… they were the first to flood.”

As Lester and other campers were lifted to safety by helicopters, emergency services launched a massive operation to locate the missing and protect those still in danger. According to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, over 850 people were evacuated, including 167 by helicopter, with eight reported injuries.

The Texas National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and local authorities are working in close coordination. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Coast Guard teams had helped rescue or assist in the rescue of 223 people from the flood zone.

“This has been one of the largest search-and-rescue operations in the state this year,” she said.
“We are doing everything in our power to account for every individual.”

Rep. Chip Roy, who toured the affected areas from a helicopter, shared photos that showed entire buildings washed away, trees uprooted, and roads reduced to rubble. The visual scale of destruction has left many in shock.

Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency across 15 counties and signed a federal disaster declaration to accelerate aid and resources.

“This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” Abbott stated.
“The one thing I hear the most are the prayers that are being sent for those who are in harm’s way.”

In nearby Travis County, around three hours away, four more deaths were confirmed in connection to the same weather system.

Vice President JD Vance expressed the nation’s condolences on social media platform X, writing:

“Our nation’s heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. Just an incomprehensible tragedy. I hope everyone affected knows they’re in the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans.”
He also included the Eternal Rest Prayer in his message.

Two reunification centers have been established: Ingram Elementary School in Ingram, and The Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville, where anxious families continue to gather. The Red Cross is handling inquiries and can be reached at 1-800-733-2767.

Power outages have added to the region’s challenges, with over 600 Kerrville Public Utility Board customers still without electricity as of Saturday evening.

Despite the grief and devastation, search efforts continue at full pace. Authorities have pledged to not stop until “every single missing person is found.”

As the sun sets over the rain-wrecked hills of Kerr County, Texas remains united in sorrow and strength. With families clinging to hope and responders combing through every inch of devastation, the echoes of lost laughter from Camp Mystic still haunt the muddy riverbanks. The Kerr County flood has left behind more than physical destruction—it has carved deep emotional scars across communities. In the face of overwhelming grief, the resolve to find the missing and honor the dead stands firm. The state watches, prays, and waits—for answers, for reunions, and for healing.

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