Three Young Campers Confirmed Dead as Death Toll Climbs in Texas Flood Tragedy

“This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” said Governor Greg Abbott.

A devastating flash flood in Hunt, Texas, has claimed the lives of three young girls attending Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp for girls. The deadly flooding, which swept through the area Friday morning, has left families grieving and searching for missing loved ones as the community grapples with the scale of the disaster.

Anne Hunt confirmed to Fox News Digital that her daughter, Janie, was among the deceased. Renee Smajstrla was also identified as a victim by the nonprofit group A Voice for the Voiceless. A third victim’s identity has been withheld at the request of her family.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported Friday evening that up to 25 campers were initially unaccounted for. Camp Mystic was hosting approximately 750 attendees when the floodwaters rapidly rose.

By Saturday, Kerr County officials confirmed that the flood had claimed 27 lives in total — including nine children and 18 adults.

One of the victims was Jane Ragsdale, camp director and co-owner of the nearby Heart O’ the Hills camp. Fortunately, no children were staying at that camp at the time, as it was between sessions.

“We are stunned and deeply saddened by Jane’s death,” Heart O’ the Hills shared in a public statement. “She embodied the spirit of the camp and the kind of joyful, resilient women we strive to help our girls become.”

The flood was triggered by intense rainfall that caused the Guadalupe River to surge nearly 30 feet in just 45 minutes. Texas mobilized over 1,000 state responders and 800 emergency vehicles to aid in rescue and recovery. Helicopters and military transport were used to evacuate more than 230 people, including 167 airlifts.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that U.S. Coast Guard personnel helped rescue or assist 223 individuals from the rising waters.

Among the missing are campers Greta Toranzo and Hadley Hanna. Their mothers confirmed to Fox News Digital on Saturday that both girls had not yet been found.

Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester, who was rescued by helicopter, described how her group had to wade through floodwaters to safety. “The camp was completely destroyed,” she told the Associated Press. Lester had been housed on elevated ground known as Senior Hill, while the younger campers, some as young as 8, were in cabins near the river and were the first to be impacted by the flooding.

In response to the tragedy, reunification centers have been established at Ingram Elementary School and Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville. Camp Mystic has notified parents that if they haven’t been contacted, their children are safe and accounted for.

President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy on Truth Social, stating that he and Melania were praying for the victims and praising the efforts of first responders. “GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!” he wrote.

Vice President JD Vance also expressed his condolences online: “Our nation’s heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. Just an incomprehensible tragedy.” Vance, a devout Catholic, included the Eternal Rest Prayer in his post.

Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for 15 counties and emphasized the spiritual and emotional weight of the moment. “The one thing I hear the most are the prayers being sent for those in harm’s way,” he said. “This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever.”

Those seeking information about missing persons are encouraged to contact the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.