A tragic incident unfolded at Camp Mystic, a summer retreat for girls in Kerr County, Texas, where flash flooding led to a heartbreaking loss of life. A compilation video shared by camp nurse Devon Paige on TikTok captures joyful moments of campers dancing, enjoying meals, and playing games prior to the calamity. The footage, taken between June 28 and July 3, reflects the camp’s vibrant spirit just hours before disaster struck. The camp was filled to capacity with 750 young girls when a sudden storm unleashed over a foot of rain, causing the Guadalupe River’s water levels to surge dramatically—more than 26 feet in less than an hour.
As the floodwaters rose early on that fateful Friday, the camp, just less than a week into its second term session, faced an unspeakable catastrophe. By Monday, the fallout of the natural disaster was severe, with the death toll exceeding 100, including the loss of 27 girls and counselors associated with Camp Mystic. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that, as the search and rescue efforts continued, 10 campers and one counselor remained unaccounted for, highlighting the urgency and difficulty of locating those still missing.
Camp officials expressed deep grief and solidarity with the families affected by this unimaginable tragedy, confirming their collaboration with state and local authorities in extending resources for search operations. The camp’s website featured messages of prayer and support for the grieving families. Paige’s TikTok videos also exposed the devastation wrought by the floods, where roads were destroyed and trees uprooted. One poignant video captured a bus filled with young girls singing worship songs through tears as they were transported to a reunification center, attempting to ease their collective fear and anxiety.
One particularly haunting image from June 29 showed 13 campers and two counselors from the “Bubble Inn” cabin, all dressed in pristine white dresses and beaming at the camera. Just days later, this vibrant group was devastated by the flood. The search teams recovered the bodies of 10 girls, ranging in age from 8 to 9, and that of counselor Chloe Childress, aged 18. Tragically, three girls and another counselor, Katherine Ferruzzo, aged 19, were still missing.
The camp’s owner, Richard “Dick” Eastland, also perished while attempting to save the campers from the rising waters. His grandson shared on social media that Eastland had been courageous in facing danger, but the converging floodwaters from both the river and a creek ultimately overcame him. His body, along with those of three girls, was discovered in a submerged SUV, intensifying the heartache felt across the community and beyond.
The catastrophe at Camp Mystic highlights not only the unpredictable nature of weather events but also the impact of loss and grief that can ripple through families and communities. As the world learns of these untimely deaths, the memorial to those lost becomes ever more vital. Camp Mystic, built on faith and community spirit, now stands as a symbol of resilience amid tragedy, emphasizing the need for support and healing in the aftermath of such a profound loss.
