Local News
Names and Photos of Missing Individuals, Including Children, Swept Away from Camp Mystic During Central Texas Flash Flooding
HUNT, TEXAS — As catastrophic flash flooding continues to impact the Texas Hill Country, search and rescue efforts remain underway for multiple missing individuals swept away from Camp Mystic, a well-known all-girls Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.
Family-confirmed reports have identified numerous missing persons, including campers and staff, following the sudden overnight surge of the Guadalupe River, which rose more than 22 feet in just 30 minutes.
The floodwaters tore through cabins and facilities early Friday morning, July 4, leading to a mass casualty response.
Among the missing are:
- Lila Bonner
- Eloise Peck
- Hadley Hanna (confirmed missing by family)
- Kellyanne Lytal
- Lainey Landry
- Janie Hunt
- Renee Smajstrla
- Cile Steward
- Virginia Hollis
- Margaret Sheedy
- Molly DeWitt
- Anna Margaret Bellows
- Blakely McCrory
- Mary Grace Baker
- Linnie McCown
- Greta Toranzo
- Sarah Marsh
- Wynne Naylor
- Katherine Ferruzzo (camp counselor)
- Bella Kate (camp counselor)
- John and Julia Burgess, along with their two sons
According to officials, some of those reported missing have since been located and rescued, but many remain unaccounted for. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick confirmed in a press conference Friday afternoon that approximately 23 children are still missing.
Camp Mystic, which hosts around 750 girls ages 7 to 17, has been severely impacted by the unprecedented flooding.
“This is a mass casualty event,” said Freeman Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. At least 13 fatalities have been confirmed, with officials warning that number could rise.
Search and rescue teams—consisting of 400 to 500 personnel and 18 helicopters—are actively combing the area by land and air. Some victims have already been rescued from treetops and submerged vehicles, while others are feared to have been swept miles downstream.
The camp confirmed in a message to families that those whose daughters are unaccounted for have already been notified. The surrounding area remains without power, water, or internet, and flooding has washed away key access roads, further complicating rescue efforts.
“The reports that all campers are accounted for are false,” said a family member close to one of the missing girls. “The search is very much ongoing. Please continue to pray.”
Lt. Gov. Patrick added that President Donald Trump has been briefed and committed federal resources including the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA, which are now assisting in the operation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also confirmed active coordination at the federal level.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz posted a message of support on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic. I’ve spoken with state and national leadership. Rescue operations are ongoing.”
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly echoed these concerns in a separate briefing, stating: “We know there are still people missing. We’ve identified some of their locations, but not all. The exact number is still being confirmed.”
Camp Mystic, which was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, is now at the center of a heartbreaking and historic emergency. Families of the missing continue to wait for news as rescue crews work around the clock.
Anyone in the area with information about the missing individuals is urged to contact local authorities immediately.
Please keep the victims, their families, and all first responders in your thoughts and prayers.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed Wednesday night after being thrown from his motorcycle and struck by several vehicles on Interstate 35 in New Braunfels, authorities said.
New Braunfels police officers and fire crews responded at approximately 10:30 p.m. to the 2400 block of I-35 South, near the Schmidt Avenue overpass, following reports of a motorcycle crash.
Preliminary information indicates that the motorcyclist, identified as 22-year-old Weston Waxler, was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Officials said Waxler was thrown from his motorcycle and was subsequently struck by several vehicles traveling through the area.
Waxler was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said his next of kin has been notified.
The fatal crash resulted in a lengthy closure of the southbound main lanes of Interstate 35. The affected section of the highway remained closed for approximately five and a half hours while traffic crews and investigators worked at the scene.
The closure caused traffic disruptions in the area as authorities processed the crash scene and conducted their investigation.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. At this time, authorities do not expect criminal charges to be filed in connection with the crash.
Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.