New Details Revealed About the Nearly 2 Dozen Young Girls Confirmed Missing from Christian Camp After Devastating Texas Floods

Families Desperate for Answers as 23 Girls Remain Missing from Texas Summer Camp After Catastrophic Floods

New information has emerged about the young girls still missing after catastrophic flash floods tore through central Texas on Friday, July 4, leaving a trail of destruction, grief, and unanswered questions.

Among the hardest-hit areas was Kerr County, where rising waters from the Guadalupe River—swollen to near-record levels—engulfed homes, roads, and even summer camps. According to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, 23 girls remain unaccounted for out of the 750 attending Camp Mystic, a Christian girls-only summer camp located along the banks of the river.

In a press conference over the weekend, Lt. Gov. Patrick shared the grim update, urging families to remain hopeful while first responders and volunteers work tirelessly around the clock. “We are doing everything humanly possible to find them,” he stated, visibly shaken. “This is a tragedy no one could have imagined on what should have been a joyful weekend.”

A Beloved Summer Tradition Turns Tragic

Camp Mystic, known for its peaceful setting and strong spiritual focus, has been a summer tradition for generations of Texas families. Nestled beneath the cypress trees by the river, it’s a place where girls form lifelong friendships, sing by campfires, and write letters home filled with stories of laughter and growth.

But this year, the camp became the center of a nightmare. What started as a day of celebration ended in panic and chaos as flash floods surged through the area with little warning. According to local meteorologists, the Guadalupe River reached its second-highest recorded level, with water rising so quickly that campers and staff had little time to evacuate.

Families Speak Out: “We Just Want Them Home”

Many of the missing girls’ families have spoken to local outlets, their voices filled with fear and determination. Some are camping out at nearby shelters or hospitals, while others search riversides on foot or assist with drone footage analysis.

Cynthia Marquez, whose daughter Isabella is among the missing, told WFAA, “She called me two days before, so happy. She had just passed her swimming badge and was making new friends. Now I don’t even know if she’s alive.”

Another parent, Joel Harper, said his daughter Ellie had begged to go to Camp Mystic for years. “She was so excited. We never imagined that it would end like this. Every hour that passes feels heavier.”

Search Complicated by Power Loss, Washed Out Roads

The camp reportedly lost power and communication early Friday evening, leaving campers without access to emergency alerts or instructions. Rescuers described conditions as “chaotic,” with mudslides, fallen trees, and debris making many roads impassable. Emergency services have been using boats, helicopters, and thermal drones to scan the dense floodplain for signs of life.

Criticism Over Lack of Flash Flood Alerts

Public outcry has grown over the lack of early warning systems that could have helped prevent the disaster. Critics point to funding cuts in recent years to agencies like the National Weather Service and NOAA, arguing that communities were left vulnerable.

Still, some officials say the sheer speed and force of the flooding made prediction nearly impossible. “This was not just a rainstorm—it was a wall of water,” said one first responder. “By the time we realized the scale, it was too late.”

Hope Amid Tragedy

While the confirmed death toll has climbed to 25, including at least 15 children, families and volunteers cling to hope that the missing girls will be found alive. Prayer vigils have been held across the state, and volunteers have arrived from as far as Louisiana and Oklahoma to assist with search efforts.

Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency and mobilized the Texas National Guard, pledging all available resources.

In the shadow of heartbreak, the people of Texas remain united in their resolve. One hand-painted sign spotted near the search zone reads:
“Dear Camp Mystic girls — we haven’t stopped looking. Hold on. We will find you.”