Over 700 girls were at Texas summer camp hit by floods—death toll rising, many still missing

The New York Post reported that Renee Smajstrla, 8; Janie Hunt, 9, Sarah Marsh, 8 were attending the camp, but were killed in the flooding. Local news stated that Eloise Peck, and Lila Bonner, 9, who were cabin mates, were also among the dead. There are differing numbers as to how many girls are still missing, with some reports suggesting 23 and others saying 11.

Dick Eastland, co-executive director of Camp Mystic, died in a helicopter on the way to a helicopter. A counselor is still missing. In the region, there have been at least 32 deaths from the flooding, and others are also missing.

The flood struck Texas’ Hill Country region on July 4. On Friday night, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that between 23 and 25 campers had initially been reported missing. At the time of the flood, Camp Mystic had 750 attendees.

Aerial photos posted by Texas Rep. Chip Roy showed significant destruction at Camp Mystic, with buildings damaged or completely destroyed.

By Saturday, Kerr County officials reported that the total number of deaths from the flood had reached 32, including 18 adults and 14 children. Among the adult victims was Jane Ragsdale, the director and co-owner of Heart O’ the Hills camp, located a mile north of Camp Mystic.

In a statement, Heart O’ the Hills noted that no children were staying at its facilities during the flood because the camp was between sessions.

"We at the camp are stunned and deeply saddened by Jane’s death," the camp said. "She embodied the spirit of Heart O’ the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop with the girls entrusted to us each summer."

In response to the tragedy, President Donald Trump issued a statement on social media, announcing that his administration is working closely with local and state officials.

"Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” the president said. “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS”