Camp Mystic camper dies in devastating flooding, family confirms
Share this @internewscast.com


Sammy Turner, Amanda Henderson, KHOU 11 Staff, KENS 5 Staff


7:25 AM EDT July 6, 2025


10:56 AM EDT July 6, 2025

The family of Renee Smajstrla, a camper at Camp Mystic, has confirmed to KHOU 11’s Amanda Henderson that the young girl has lost her life due to the devastating floods on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas.

Renee’s uncle told KHOU 11 she will forever “be living her best life” at Camp Mystic.

Her family said the photo below was taken on July 3, the day before the catastrophic flooding hit the region.


More than 750 girls were staying at Camp Mystic when the floods hit. As of Saturday, local officials said 27 of those kids remain missing.

“Today is going to be a challenging day,” declared Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. during a news briefing on Saturday. “Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers.”

Rescue and recovery missions proceeded on Saturday as the number of fatalities from the flood rose. Officials in Kerr County reported that at least 43 individuals have been found dead, including 15 children.

“We’re constantly going through shift management cycles to make sure our first responders and crews are taken care of,” said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice. “We’ve been rescuing people by the hundreds all day.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard are among the entities that have responded to the crisis, amounting to hundreds of personnel and vehicles participating in search efforts. Officials said more than 850 people have been rescued from the flooding, with many grabbing on to trees and waiting hours for rescue. 

“We will not stop until every single person is found,” Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said. “It’s going to take a while.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NFL receives no tush push ban proposal this year after effort last year to ban it failed

NFL Receives No Proposals to Ban ‘Tush Push’ Following Last Year’s Unsuccessful Attempt

The “tush push” maneuver continues to challenge both defenses and decision-makers alike.…
The Louvre names Christophe Leribault as boss months after historic jewel heist

Christophe Leribault Appointed Director of the Louvre Following Landmark Jewel Heist

PARIS — A new leader is set to take the helm at…
Tires slashed on 7 NYPD Strategic Response Group cop cars parked in Brooklyn

Vandalism Strike: NYPD Strategic Response Group’s Fleet Targeted with Tire Slashings in Brooklyn

In a bold act of vandalism, seven NYPD vehicles belonging to the…
Brawl erupts in Ohio courtroom after judge hands down reduced sentence for teen killer

Outrage in Ohio: Courtroom Chaos Erupts Over Reduced Sentence for Teen Killer

Tempers flared and chaos unfolded in an Ohio courtroom when two families…
Camp Mystic families sue Texas officials over evacuation plan enforcement

Families from Camp Mystic Take Legal Action Against Texas Officials Over Evacuation Plan Dispute

The families of nine girls who tragically lost their lives in a…
Iranian diplomats believed to have arrived in Geneva for indirect US nuclear talks

Iranian Diplomats Reportedly Arrive in Geneva for Indirect Nuclear Negotiations with the US

A convoy, thought to be carrying Iranian diplomats, arrived at the Omani…
Mamdani wants NYC to spend $70M on 'feasibility study' for city-run grocery store pet project: sources

Mamdani Proposes $70 Million Feasibility Study for City-Operated Grocery Store Initiative in NYC: Sources

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proposing a $70 million investment for a “feasibility…
Ranking of LA's ‘friendliest’ neighborhoods

Los Angeles Neighborhoods Ranked by Friendliness

Is your community among the friendliest in Los Angeles? According to newly…
Dominican Republic singer Amarilis Brito Rodríguez arrested after singing national anthem

Dominican Singer Amarilis Brito Rodríguez Detained After Controversial National Anthem Performance

In an unusual turn of events in the Dominican Republic, authorities have…
Man sentenced for Texas crash that killed founding member of The Chicks

Texas Man Sentenced for Fatal Crash Involving The Chicks’ Founding Member

In a tragic turn of events, Laura Lynch, one of the original…
Treasury sanctions Iran's petroleum 'shadow fleet,' ballistic missile networks

Treasury Targets Iran’s Covert Oil Fleet and Ballistic Missile Networks with New Sanctions

The U.S. Treasury Department took decisive action on Wednesday, imposing sanctions on…
4 people on Florida boat killed by Cuban forces after entering its waters: officials

Cuban Forces Reportedly Kill Four Aboard Florida Vessel in Territorial Waters Incident

Cuban authorities have reported the fatal shooting of four individuals aboard an…