At least 82 lives have been tragically lost due to the catastrophic flash flood that swept through Kerr County, Texas, and officials caution that the death toll may continue to climb. Rescue and recovery teams are still working tirelessly, combing through streams and ravines blocked by heavy debris in hopes of locating any remaining survivors or bringing closure to waiting families. The scale of destruction is heartbreaking, with entire communities impacted, but one of the hardest-hit locations is Camp Mystic—a beloved and historic Christian summer camp for girls that has been a part of Texas tradition since 1926. The camp now stands as a somber symbol of the devastation, with 11 individuals still missing and 27 campers and staff members confirmed dead.
Among the hundreds of families mourning unimaginable losses, one is notably tied to the world of professional sports. One of the young victims was Janie Hunt, a bright and spirited nine-year-old who was related to Clark Hunt, the owner and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Janie’s passing sent shockwaves through both the community and broader circles. Clark’s wife, Tavia Hunt, shared a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, pouring out the family’s sorrow and reflecting on the deep ache of losing a child. Speaking with CNN, her mother expressed the profound grief gripping their family, voicing the haunting question that many parents are now asking: How does one hold onto faith when tragedy strikes the most innocent among us?
Camp Mystic had approximately 750 girls in attendance when the waters of the Guadalupe River surged with sudden and terrifying force. The flash flood gave little to no warning. Within moments, the river overflowed its banks and swept through the campgrounds, giving staff and campers very little time to react. Many of the children caught in the floodwaters were between the ages of 7 and 10, just beginning what should have been a summer filled with joy, laughter, and memories. Among those confirmed dead are several second and third graders, including Lila Bonner (9), Sarah Marsha, Eloise Peck (8), and Renee Smajstrla—each one a heartbreaking loss for their loved ones and a community already stretched thin by sorrow.
As grief spreads and the reality of the disaster continues to unfold, many families, like Lila’s, have requested privacy while they mourn the sudden loss of their beloved children. In quiet vigils and candlelit memorials, the town has come together to share in their pain, offering support, prayers, and whatever comfort can be given during such an unbearable time. The shock lingers like a heavy fog across Kerr County and beyond, as friends, neighbors, and strangers grapple with the magnitude of the disaster.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed the state in an official statement, acknowledging that the search efforts are far from over. He emphasized that the number of victims may rise as crews continue to clear areas previously inaccessible due to the flood’s debris and damage. Emergency services remain on high alert, and the governor promised the full support of the state in helping Kerr County recover from this tragedy. The road to healing will be long and difficult. Yet amid the loss, there are stories of courage, compassion, and community resilience. As the region slowly begins to rebuild, the pain remains fresh, and the memory of those lost—especially the young lives taken too soon—will not be forgotten.