Tragic Flooding Claims Lives of Three Young Campers in Texas
In a devastating incident, three young girls lost their lives during flooding at Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp for girls located in Hunt, Texas. Anne Hunt reported that her daughter, Janie, was among those who perished in the flood. Additionally, another camper named Renee Sumagistra has been identified as one of the victims. The family of a third camper confirmed her death but requested that her name not be disclosed.
Carr County Sheriff Larry Leesa stated that between 23 and 25 campers were reported missing on Friday night, while the camp had around 750 attendees present at the time of the incident. The flooding was part of a larger weather event that has now resulted in at least 27 deaths across the area, including 18 adults and nine children.
The aftermath of the flooding has been chaotic, as families anxiously gathered at a local Unification Center seeking news of their loved ones. Schools and community centers have been designated to assist in this reunion effort. Several parents have reported that their children remain unaccounted for, leaving them in distress as they await updates.
Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, shared her experience of escaping the rising waters via helicopter, describing the surreal devastation of the camp. The National Guard was deployed in response to the flooding, which saw the Guadalupe River swell dramatically, putting many lives at risk. Emergency services worked tirelessly through the chaos to evacuate stranded campers, and helicopters have been pivotal in these efforts.
Nicknamed after the camp’s location, the flooding has compelled Texas Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency across 15 counties and to mobilize more than 1,000 responders. The governor, in a statement, underscored the collective sorrow felt across the nation for those affected, emphasizing the need for support and understanding during such a tragic time.
Federal aid has also been promised, with President Donald Trump expressing shock at the severity of the flooding and offering condolences to the victims’ families. The local Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with missing family members to reach out to the Red Cross for assistance.
