In the days leading up to the catastrophic Texas flash floods, Camp Mystic was alive with laughter, games, and worship.
A now-heartbreaking TikTok video, shared by camp nurse Devon Paige, captured campers dancing, smiling, and enjoying meals together, just hours before disaster struck.
The all-girls Christian camp, nestled along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, was hosting 750 girls when torrential rainfall caused the river to surge more than 26 feet in under an hour early Friday morning. By Monday, the death toll across Texas had surpassed 104, with 27 of the victims tied to Camp Mystic.
13 Campers and Counselors Swept Away From Single Cabin
One of the most devastating losses occurred in the Bubble Inn cabin. A photo taken on June 29 showed 13 girls and two counselors dressed in white, beaming with joy. Less than five days later, everyone in that photo was swept away.
As of Monday, the bodies of 10 of the girls, all just 8 or 9 years old, have been recovered, along with 18-year-old counselor Chloe Childress. Three campers and 19-year-old counselor Katherine Ferruzzo remain missing.
Camp owner Richard “Dick” Eastland, who attempted to save the girls, also died. His grandson revealed on social media that Eastland was overtaken when floodwaters rushed in from both the river and a nearby creek. He was found along with the bodies of three girls in a black SUV.
Destruction and Desperation
Paige, the camp nurse, shared footage of the destruction: roads ripped apart, trees toppled, and vehicles mangled. One clip showed a bus of tearful campers singing worship songs as they were evacuated through the wreckage.
“The girls are singing to try and calm everyone,” Paige wrote.
Camp Mystic’s leadership issued a heartfelt statement on their website:
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.”
Search Efforts Ongoing
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said on Monday that 10 campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams continue scouring the area as time runs short, with more rain forecast and flash flood warnings still in effect.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirmed that the flooding struck just days into Camp Mystic’s second four-week session.
Despite the heartbreak, Paige and others at the camp continue to share memories of light before the darkness. It’s a reminder of the innocence and joy that existed just before the flood changed everything.
