HUNT, TX – Rescue teams battled renewed rainfall Sunday while searching for 11 missing girls and one counselor from the devastated Camp Mystic summer camp, as the death toll from catastrophic Guadalupe River flooding reached 79 confirmed fatalities—including at least 28 children—across Central Texas. The disaster, triggered by a sudden 15-inch deluge on July 4, marks one of Texas’ deadliest flood events in decades according to the National Weather Service.
⛈️ The Disaster Unfolds
Torrential rains began Friday morning, overwhelming the Guadalupe River within hours. At Camp Mystic—a century-old Christian girls’ camp hosting 700 children—waters surged to 29 feet, tearing cabins from foundations Torrential rains began Friday morning, overwhelming the Guadalupe River within hours. At Camp Mystic—a century-old Christian girls’ camp hosting 700 children—waters surged to 29 feet, tearing cabins from foundations. Though most were evacuated, 11 girls and one counselor remain missing.
“It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott after touring the wreckage. “We will be relentless in locating every single person” (FEMA disaster declaration).
By Sunday, the river had become a graveyard of debris: vehicles wedged in trees, mattresses tangled in branches, and RVs ripped apart. Rescuers combed the area on horseback, boats, and foot, battling new downpours complicating efforts.
😔 Victims: Stories of Loss and Heroism
Julian Ryan, 27
Died after punching through a window to save his fiancée, two children (ages 1 and 6), and mother from their flooding trailer. He bled out from a severed artery while keeping his family afloat.
“He said, ‘I love you. I’m sorry.’ In minutes, he was gone.” — Christinia Wilson, fiancée.
Sarah Marsh, 8, and Janie Hunt, 9
Both Camp Mystic campers confirmed dead. Sarah was from Mountain Brook, AL; Janie was on her first summer at camp.
Jane Ragsdale
Director of Heart O’ the Hills camp downstream, died trying to secure her property. Her camp was vacant during the flood.
Other victims include sisters Blair (13) and Brooke Harber (11), camp director Dick Eastland, and RV campers Bobby and Amanda Martin.
🚑 Rescue Operations: “A Race Against Time”
- Helicopters/Drones: Scoured riverbanks for heat signatures.
- Specialized Teams: Used “Jaws of Life” to pry open mud-caked vehicles.
- Community Volunteers: Arrived on horseback where roads were impassable.
Coast Guard rescuer Scott Ruskan saved 165 people in his first mission, triaging survivors at Camp Mystic.
❓ Accountability Questions Emerge
Critics question whether staffing cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS) under the Trump administration delayed warnings:
Critics question whether staffing cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS) delayed warnings:
- A “moderate flood watch” Thursday failed to predict 15-inch rainfall
- NWS offices were understaffed, potentially delaying coordination
“Fewer personnel could lead to tragedy during flash flooding,” said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) (NOAA flood safety report).
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged forecasting gaps and pledged system upgrades.
⚠️ Ongoing Threats and Recovery
Sunday’s new alerts warned of “high-confidence river flooding,” forcing rescuers to higher ground. Forecasts show additional storms through Monday.
President Trump issued a federal disaster declaration, activating FEMA support. Meanwhile, communities face:
- Housing shortages: Hundreds displaced.
- Mental health crises: Grief counselors deployed to schools.
- Infrastructure collapse: Bridges and roads destroyed.
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