During the recent holiday weekend, approximately 750 girls gathered at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, while boys joined their peers at Camp La Junta a few miles away. These camps, nestled along the Guadalupe River, are integral to the local community and are synonymous with cherished summer memories. However, the area, prone to flash flooding due to its rugged landscape, has seen devastating floods in the past—including a tragic event in 1987 that claimed the lives of ten teenagers.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Kerr County, and by nightfall, significant rainfall began. Campers at La Junta were startled awake early Friday as flooding enveloped their cabins, causing panic among the children. Many sought safety on elevated furniture while others attempted to reach higher ground. Reports emerged of friends and family members frantically trying to evacuate those in danger, highlighting the chaos and fear as water levels surged.
As rescue operations unfolded, local authorities scrambled to respond to the flooding. Volunteers and search teams faced challenges, including poor communication and overwhelming debris, which complicated their efforts. Tragically, by Saturday, reports indicated that some campers from Camp Mystic were unaccounted for, including 9-year-old Janie Hunt.
In the aftermath, townspeople and local business owners rallied to provide food and shelter for those displaced by the floods, showcasing their community’s resilience. However, with the death toll rising alarmingly—initially reported at 13, later confirmed to be over 80—the mood shifted from hope to despair. Many families faced heart-wrenching uncertainty as they waited for news of loved ones, grappling with the fear that some may never return.
Authorities pledged to continue search efforts tirelessly, with the Texas Game Wardens and a cadre of volunteers working round-the-clock to locate missing campers and assist those impacted by the flooding. The situation remains grave, as families cling to the hope that more survivors will be found amid the devastation. As rescuers comb through the rubble, the community stands united in the face of immense tragedy, their support and determination shining in this dark hour.