Tragic Aftermath: Flood Claims Lives of Two Young Campers in Texas
Two young girls tragically lost their lives in a severe flooding incident at Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp for girls located in Hunt, Texas. The victims, identified as Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, were reported by A Voice for the Voiceless, an organization that advocates for crime victims and missing persons.
According to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, between 23 and 25 campers remain unaccounted for. At the time of the flood, roughly 750 campers were present at the facility.
State authorities confirmed the grim toll, reporting at least 25 fatalities, comprising both adults and children. Of these, 24 deaths occurred in Kerr County while one was recorded in Kendall County.
Families have gathered at various reunification sites, anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, Ingram Elementary School, and The Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville are functioning as these centers.
Camp Mystic communicated to parents that if they had not been directly contacted, their child was safe. However, Ellen Toranzo expressed her concern to Fox News Digital, revealing that her daughter, Greta Toranzo, is among those missing. Carrie Hanna also confirmed her daughter, Hadley, remains unaccounted for.
Elinor Lester, aged 13, recounted her evacuation experience, stating she and her cabinmates were rescued via helicopter after traversing floodwaters. She described the camp as “completely destroyed.” Some campers were housed on elevated ground known as Senior Hill, while younger attendees were located closer to the riverbanks and were most affected by the flooding.
In response to the emergency, the National Guard was deployed as heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise nearly 30 feet within just 45 minutes. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that U.S. Coast Guard personnel were dispatched to aid in evacuations.
Utilizing helicopters and military vehicles, rescuers managed to evacuate 237 individuals, including 167 rescued by air as of Friday night.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported that over 1,000 state responders and more than 800 vehicles were made available for disaster response. He has declared a state of emergency for 15 counties, with the possibility of extending that declaration.
“This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” said Abbott in a statement. He acknowledged the outpouring of prayers for those in peril.
President Donald Trump characterized the flooding as “shocking” and conveyed that Texas would receive federal assistance. He noted that his administration is working closely with Governor Abbott on recovery efforts.
Vice President JD Vance described the tragedy as “incomprehensible” and sent thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families, sharing the Eternal Rest Prayer in his message.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office advises those seeking information about missing persons to contact the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
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