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How many are still missing from Camp Mystic? What we know as more than 100 killed in Texas flood

27 girls and staff members of Camp Mystic lost their lives.
posted by Shreya Ghosh
Tuesday 7/8/2025 at 4:44AM EDT
  • Flood Image (Image via Everett Collection) (It's a representational image of a flood)
    Flood Image (Image via Everett Collection) (It's a representational image of a flood)

    Recent flash floods have wreaked havoc in Texas. Over 100 people have lost their lives to this catastrophe in the last couple of days. Though vigilant rescue operations are ongoing, people continue to face death, and some have been going missing in the chaos.

    Many people sought shelter inside Camp Mystic when the floods struck the all-girls summer camp, destroying it. The overflowing water's pressure killed at least 27 people, and 11 are missing, as confirmed by the BBC.

    According to the updated tallies, at least 84 people died in Kerr County. Weather predictions indicate that rainfall and thunderstorms are likely to occur in Texas. BBC cited recent updates of the National Weather Service (NWS) on July 7, 2025, and noted the chances of flash flooding in central Texas.

    The National Weather Service announced on its website,

    "A very moist and conditionally unstable environment continues across the flood-ravaged portion of Texas."

    The alert further detailed:

    "Thunderstorms that affected portions of central to north Texas yesterday have largely tapered off through the early hours this morning. However, with a subtle low to mid-level disturbance remaining in place, scattered thunderstorms could once again develop at anytime today in this environment."

    According to the forecast, the thunderstorm might shift westward

    "possibly across the flood-ravaged portion of Texas during the day today."

    Necessary information to know about the tragic loss at Camp Mystic

    Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that nearly 700 children were present at the Texas camp when the flash flooding lashed over on Friday, USA Today reported. Soon, the camp released an official statement on its website, stating,

    "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly."

    The summer camp was scarily at risk of suffering from the aftermath of incessant rainfall and storms, as it is located close to the Guadalupe River. The water level rose high on Friday, leading to property damage, power cuts, broken trees, and merciless wreckage. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the river water level increased to almost 30 feet within 30 minutes.

    27 girls and staff members reportedly died in the destructive floods, and a counselor and 10 kids went missing. Richard "Dick" Eastland, the camp's director, also died due to the flash floods. 

    Paige Sumner is a family friend of the deceased director. She has been a camper at the camp too. She looked back on Richard's relentless efforts to protect the campers in a July 5 column for Kerrville Daily Times. 

    Acknowledging his hard work, Paige wrote:

    "It doesn’t surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers. He had already saved so many lives with the gift of Camp Mystic."

    In a July 7 conversation with Today, Jenna Bush Hager opened up about the tragedy and her mother's association with Camp Mystic. Recalling her mother's connection as a drama counselor, as USA Today cited, she explained,

    "My mom was a counselor there, but also so many of my friends were raised at this camp. Texas camps are institutions, as you just heard, where were many family members − generations − this camp was 100 years old, so grandmothers, mothers, kids have all gone there."

    Reflecting on the disheartening flash floods and the consequences, Jenna further continued,

    "The stories that I heard over the last couple days were beautiful and heartbreaking. Texas has a type of resilience where they're generous people, where people want to reach out and help."

    Edward "Doc" Stewart founded Camp Mystic in 1926. Nearly a century-old establishment, this girls' camp explains on its website,

    "Campers and counselors join together to sing songs, listen to scripture, discover ways to grow spiritually, and learn to apply these lessons to their daily life at camp and back home."

    Girls staying at this historical camp can spend days exploring several interesting activities and excel their skills in archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, cooking, dancing, playing sports, and swimming. They can also take part in religious activities and focus on Bible studies and Sunday morning devotionals, among others.

    Recent updates about the Texas flood

    Kerr County and several areas in the U.S. state received uninterrupted precipitation and witnessed adverse weather conditions on Friday. The incessant downpours of a few hours were similar to months of rainfall.

    According to another BBC report, several officials called the recent flash floods a "100-year catastrophe." Within a short time, the water level of the Guadalupe River surged rapidly and burst its banks, creating chaos all around. 

    Experts working on this natural disaster event reported that an amalgamation of multiple factors led to the unexpectedly calamitous weather over the Fourth of July weekend. From the extreme presence of moisture to the location of the affected regions, multiple reasons came into play, causing the destruction. A tropical storm made its way north from Mexico and increased moisture in the air.

    According to NBC DFW, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced about positioning of Urban Search and Rescue team members in Texas. The deployment was conducted to help the rescuers in their operations.

    TOPICS: Camp Mystic


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