Two girls from Camp Mystic, who were missing, were discovered deceased during a nighttime search and rescue operation on Friday in Texas, according to family members and local news reports.
Renee Smajstrla, 8, and Janie Hunt, 9, were among as many as 25 campers who were washed away in the deadly Guadalupe River flash floods.
“We appreciate all the prayers and support from friends and family. Renee has been located, and while it’s not the outcome we hoped for, it’s possible that social media helped first responders recognize her so swiftly,” her uncle shared on Facebook with a photo showing the girl smiling brightly.
“We are grateful she was with friends and enjoying herself, as shown in this picture from the day before. She will always be remembered for living her best moments at Camp Mystic. We ask you to continue praying for the other families in Kerrville.”
Janie was also discovered dead, according to Corpus Christi Crónica.
The 9-year-old’s mother had told CNN Friday that she had not heard anything about her daughter’s whereabouts after the flood hit the camp.
“We are just praying,” Janie’s mother had said.
It is not clear if any of the other campers had been found dead, but local reports indicate that some of the girls were rescued and were transported to family reunification centers.
Between 23 and 25 girls at the Christian sleep-away camp, which serves girls between the ages of 7 and 17, were swept away by the dangerous floods early Friday morning — including some who were in cabins that were washed out.
The Guadalupe River — on which Camp Mystic is perched in the San Antonio suburb of Hunt — rose more than 20 feet in just 90 minutes, the National Weather Service reported, a level of flooding the area hasn’t seen since 1987.
A flood alert went out at 4 a.m. when most people were sleeping.
Gov. Greg Abbott revealed Friday night that the death toll had surged to 24, including children, but would not say whether any of the missing campers were among the dead.
Searches went on Saturday morning as rain continued to fall across Hill County, with officials warning of the ongoing threat for possible flash flooding extended from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours.
The Guadalupe River previously flooded across Kerr County in 1987, overtaking a church bus and killing 10 teenagers.
The campgrounds do not have a warning system in place, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said.
