‘Unimaginable Tragedy’: Camp Mystic Says 27 Campers And Counselors Killed In Sudden Flash Floods

Camp Mystic, the Christian summer camp for young girls at the center of the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas, said on Monday that the death toll of campers and counselors has risen to 27.

The camp posted an update on its website Monday morning, revealing the current death toll and adding, “Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.”

“We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls,” Camp Mystic added. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level.”

The record-breaking torrent from the Guadalupe River reaped destruction over the July Fourth weekend, with Camp Mystic and the surrounding area of Kerrville facing the brunt of the devastation. People in the camp had little time to flee as the river rose more than 30 feet in an hour in some spots during the middle of the night.

Throughout Central Texas, at least 82 people have been killed in the flooding. In Kerr County alone, where the camp is located, 68 people have been confirmed dead, 28 of whom were children. It’s unclear if Camp Mystic’s update adds to the total death toll or if the 27 campers and counselors were already included. It’s also unclear if any campers are still missing.

Some of the young girls who were killed in the flooding have been identified, including 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla, 9-year-old Lila Bonner, 8-year-old Eloise Peck, 9-year-old Janie Hunt, and Sarah Marsh, who was about to start third grade.

The camp’s director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, died while trying to rescue campers from the floodwaters.

“He died doing what he’d done for 50 years—protecting the girls of Camp Mystic,” wrote FOX San Antonio anchor Ryan Wolf. “Richard ‘Dick’ Eastland, beloved camp director and co-owner, was swept away in the Hill Country floods while trying to reach campers in danger. His final act was one of courage, devotion, and love.”

Counselor Chloe Childress, who had just graduated from high school, was also identified as a victim who “lost her life upholding this selfless and fierce commitment to others.”

“Chloe Childress lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith. Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic,” the Childress family said in a statement. “Our family was shocked to hear of the horrific tragic flooding in the hill country, and we were devastated to learn that our precious Chloe was among the victims. While we know that her joy is now eternal and her faith has become sight, our hearts are shattered by this loss and the similar heartbreak of other families like ours.”