Hunt, Texas — What was supposed to be a summer of laughter, faith, and friendship turned into a nightmare on July 3, 2025, when Camp Mystic — a beloved Christian girls’ summer camp nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River — was swallowed by a flash flood that claimed the lives of at least 32 people, including 14 young girls, and left others still missing.

“She just wanted to roast marshmallows that night,” one devastated mother said through sobs. “She packed her Bible and her teddy bear. She never came back.”

According to early reports from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, a sudden and extreme weather event dropped torrential rainfall across the region, causing the Guadalupe River to surge from 10 feet to over 32 feet in a matter of moments. The floodwaters came so fast, there was no time to escape.

As the water rose, campers attempted to evacuate from wooden cabins to higher ground. But the current, estimated at 15–20 mph, tore through the property, destroying a key wooden bridge leading to the main road. The camp became completely isolated.

Some children were trapped in collapsing structures. Others were swept away into the river as they tried to reach safety. Rescue crews later found many bodies along the riverbank and buried in debris, using search dogs and ground-penetrating radar.

Most of the victims were girls aged 10 to 14.

“They didn’t even get a warning,” said the father of another girl who died. “They had no chance. How can a place like that not have a proper flood alert system?”

Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp established in 1926, has long been a spiritual refuge for young Christian girls from across Texas and beyond. The camp emphasizes sisterhood, faith in Christ, and outdoor adventure. It’s now a site of unthinkable sorrow.

The tragedy has shaken the local community and prompted a wider outcry for answers. Emergency officials acknowledged that there was no effective early warning system in place at the camp or in the surrounding area. By the time staff began evacuations, it was already too late for many.

Grief counselors from the Red Cross and local churches are working closely with families, many of whom are too shattered to speak.

A public memorial service is planned for July 6, 2025, in Kerrville, just a few miles from the camp.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pledged a full investigation into the disaster, vowing to reform the flood alert system statewide. Former President Donald Trump also posted condolences on X (formerly Twitter) on the evening of July 4, promising federal aid to help rebuild the devastated camp.

Photos of the young victims and hotline numbers for missing persons have been released by KSAT and Firsthand Weather.

“They were just little girls singing campfire songs,” said one grandmother. “Now we’re picking out coffins instead of care packages.”

As the community mourns, one thing is certain — the river that once brought peace to Camp Mystic will now carry the weight of unspeakable loss for generations to come.