Tragic Camp Flooding Incident in Texas
Reports from family members indicate that two girls from a missing campers’ list were confirmed dead following a search operation in Texas on Friday night.
Eight-year-old Renee Sumagistra and nine-year-old Johnny Hunt were among those caught in a devastating flash flood at the Guadalupe River, where 25 campers were swept away.
In a post shared on Facebook, a family member expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating that social media may have led rescuers to Renee quickly. A photo of the young girl accompanied the message.
The family reflected on Renee’s joy during her time at Camp Mystic, urging others to keep praying for the community of Kerrville as they navigate this loss.
Reports confirm that Johnny was also found deceased. A close family member shared with CNN that, after the flood struck, they had not heard anything about their daughter’s fate.
“We’re just praying,” remarked Johnny’s mother, reflecting the anxiety many families are feeling.
While it’s unclear if other campers have been lost, there are reports of some girls being rescued and taken to a family reunification center.
The camp, known as a Christian Sleep Away Camp for girls aged 7 to 17, saw 23 to 25 of its campers caught in perilous flooding in the early hours of Friday.
The Guadalupe River, where Camp Mystic is located near San Antonio, surged more than 20 feet in less than 90 minutes—an unprecedented rise since 1987, according to the National Weather Service.
A flood warning was issued at 4 AM, catching most people off guard as they slept.
Governor Greg Abbott announced later that the overall death toll had risen to 24, though he did not disclose if any campers were included in that number.
The following morning, search operations continued despite ongoing rain across Hill County, as officials warned of the risk of further flash floods persisting for the next couple of days.
This river had previously caused significant flooding in Kerr County in 1987, leading to the tragic loss of ten teenagers.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted that the campground lacks a sufficient warning system for such emergencies.
