Devastation continues to unfold in Kerr County, Texas, as at least 20 girls from a private Christian summer camp remain missing following catastrophic flash flooding that overwhelmed the region late Friday.
The camp, known as Camp Mystic, sits along the banks of the Guadalupe River, where waters reportedly surged over 20 feet in less than two hours, catching the camp and first responders off guard.
Tragically, multiple young girls have already been confirmed dead.
“Words cannot begin to describe how heartbroken I am to report this,” journalist Nick Sortor posted on X. “The bodies of multiple children from Camp Mystic have now been recovered… Absolutely devastating. PLEASE keep praying. And Rest in Peace, Sarah Marsh, Janie Hunt, and the other victims lost tonight.”
Words cannot begin to describe how heartbroken I am to report this.
The bodies of multiple children from Camp Mystic have now been recovered from the floods here in Texas.
I’ve been sitting on this news for a few hours so that families could be notified.
There are still 20… pic.twitter.com/JiSziRTJ1w
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 5, 2025
While some reports estimate that as many as 25 girls may remain unaccounted for, the official number remains fluid amid ongoing rescue efforts.
Serena Aldrich, a mother of two campers, told NewsNation her daughters, ages 9 and 12, were found safe. “They’re glad to be home and worried about their friends,” she said. “They are strong. I feel blessed and grateful.”
At a nearby Christian girls camp, Heart O’ the Hills, longtime camp director Jane Ragsdale has been confirmed among the deceased. “We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,” the camp shared in a statement.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick addressed parents and families directly, promising relentless action to recover the missing girls. “We will do everything humanly possible 24/7, looking in every tree and turning over every rock, to find your daughter or son,” he said. “The 500 people in the field are looking for your daughter.”
Across the county, more than 230 people have been rescued or evacuated, and at least 24 fatalities have been confirmed as of Saturday.
As search crews battle against time and turbulent waters, families are left clinging to hope—and to prayer.