AUSTIN (KXAN) – Several young girls attending Camp Mystic, a cherished summer retreat in the Hill Country, have been confirmed by family members not to have survived the devastating floods that affected the region over the July 4th weekend.
The historic camp near the Guadalupe River, which has been operational for almost a century, was accommodating approximately 750 children at the time of the flooding. During a press briefing on Saturday night, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick mentioned that 23 girls from the camp were missing and that search and rescue operations would persist overnight.
One of the campers, Lila Bonner, was confirmed deceased by her family, who relayed the information to KXAN on Saturday. Her family expressed their sorrow in a statement: “We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”
Gov. Greg Abbott said Saturday that first responders have rescued more than 850 people in the last 36 hours. State and local officials have not released the names of those believed to be dead. Officials said 32 people have died, including 14 children. Three of those children have not yet been identified.
“The rescue has gone as good as can be expected. Now it’s time for the recovery,” said Kerr County Judge Roy Kelly. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd said Saturday that crews are still searching for possible survivors along the length of the Guadalupe River — in the water, on the ground and from the air.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, posted on X, “So many lives lost. Others unaccounted for […] We are offering condolences, praying with the grieving, and giving thanks for the rescued.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
