A devastating flood has left the community of Hunt, Texas in shock, with the loss of two young girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, who were confirmed dead after the catastrophic event struck Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian camp. The tragedy unfolded on Friday, when the Guadalupe River rose rapidly, overwhelming the camp’s grounds and sending floodwaters surging through the area, engulfing cabins and leaving the lives of many campers and staff in peril. As search and rescue operations continue, the community is left grappling with the unimaginable loss, and families anxiously await news of their loved ones.
At least 25 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the flood, with 24 deaths reported in Kerr County and one in neighboring Kendall County. The exact cause of the flood has not yet been determined, but state officials confirmed that the heavy rain on Friday morning caused the Guadalupe River to rise by nearly 30 feet in just 45 minutes. The floodwaters swamped Camp Mystic, which was home to approximately 750 attendees at the time. According to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, 23 to 25 campers remain unaccounted for, as search teams continue their efforts to find survivors and recover victims.
The devastating incident has left families in turmoil, desperately waiting for news of their loved ones. Ingram Elementary School in Ingram, Texas, and The Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville, Texas, were set up as reunification centers for families to gather and await information. Many families, including the parents of missing campers, lined up at these centers, hoping to see their children or receive news of their whereabouts. The trauma of the event is exacerbated by the uncertainty surrounding the safety of those still unaccounted for.
As the situation continues to unfold, the emotional toll is heavy for the families and the community. Ellen Toranzo and Carrie Hanna are among the parents whose children remain missing, with Toranzo’s daughter, Greta Toranzo, and Hanna’s daughter, Hadley, unaccounted for. The anxiety and heartache of these families are shared by countless others who are facing the same agonizing wait. The community has rallied together in prayer and support, clinging to hope for those still missing and mourning the lives lost in the tragedy.
Eyewitness Accounts and Heroic Efforts
In the midst of the chaos, survivors have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. Elinor Lester, 13, was one of the lucky ones who managed to escape the rising waters. She was evacuated by helicopter along with her cabinmates after wading through floodwaters. Lester described the scene at Camp Mystic as “completely destroyed,” with the floodwaters sweeping through the camp’s grounds, submerging the cabins, and leaving behind devastation in their wake. While Lester and her group were sheltered on higher ground, younger campers, who are housed closer to the riverbanks, were the first to be affected by the flood.
First responders, including local fire crews, the Texas National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard, quickly mobilized to assist in the rescue efforts. Helicopters and military vehicles were deployed to evacuate campers, with 237 people rescued by Saturday, including 167 by helicopter. Texas officials have praised the efforts of the rescue teams, noting that the operation is ongoing and that the community is doing everything possible to assist those in need.
Governor Greg Abbott declared an emergency for 15 counties in the aftermath of the flood, deploying over 1,000 state responders and more than 800 vehicles and equipment assets to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. The state’s commitment to responding to the crisis is evident, as officials continue to focus on supporting the affected areas and ensuring the safety of all involved. Abbott also expressed his thoughts and prayers for those affected by the tragedy, recognizing the devastation that has impacted the region.
The National Response and Heartfelt Condolences
The flooding in Texas has garnered national attention, with officials across the country expressing their condolences and offering their support. President Donald Trump described the floods as “shocking” and “a terrible thing,” pledging that Texas would receive federal aid to help recover from the disaster. Vice President JD Vance also expressed his sorrow, offering prayers for the victims and their families. As the community continues to mourn the loss of young lives and grapple with the aftermath, it’s clear that the nation stands in solidarity with the people of Texas.
The loss of two young campers, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, has touched the hearts of many, with the children and staff at Camp Mystic now enduring the unimaginable pain of losing their peers. The flood’s impact on the camp will be felt for years to come, as families, friends, and survivors come to terms with the emotional and physical devastation left behind.
In the face of tragedy, the strength of the community and the resilience of the survivors shine through. Although the emotional scars of this disaster will remain for a long time, the support and prayers from across the nation offer some comfort to those who are struggling to cope with the loss.
Moving Forward with Healing
In the wake of this devastating flood, the process of healing for the survivors and the community as a whole will be long and challenging. Families who have lost loved ones are left with memories that will never fade, and the path to recovery for those who survived will be shaped by the compassion and support of their community.
Camp Mystic, which has been a place of joy and growth for many young girls, will no doubt face challenges in rebuilding and healing. The tragedy has forever altered the lives of those who have been affected, and the work of recovery will require time, patience, and resilience.
As the community of Hunt, Texas, continues to grieve, they are finding solace in each other and in the outpouring of support from around the country. The loss of Renee Smajstrla, Janie Hunt, and others who perished in the flood serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in the face of adversity.
The road ahead will be difficult, but the memories of the lives lost and the strength of the survivors will continue to serve as a beacon of hope. May the victims rest in peace, and may their families find the support and love they need during this heartbreaking time.
For those seeking to help, donations to disaster relief efforts and support for affected families are being accepted. Information on how to contribute will be made available through local organizations and community centers in the coming days.
