Local News
Viral Story of Two Missing Girls Found Alive in Tree During Texas Flooding Proven False, Kerr County Officials Confirm
Widespread reports claiming two missing girls had been miraculously rescued from a tree near Center Point during the catastrophic Kerr County flooding have been confirmed false by local authorities.
The story, which circulated rapidly on social media and through local networks on Sunday, originated from unverified sources, including volunteer accounts and social media posts.
The Kerr County Lead was among the first to publish the claim, citing numerous messages and apparent eyewitness reports. However, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha later confirmed the information was “100% inaccurate.”
The spread of misinformation highlights the difficulties of managing reliable communication during large-scale emergencies.
With emotions running high and many families desperately awaiting word about missing loved ones, unconfirmed stories can quickly fuel false hope and emotional turmoil.
As of Monday, eleven campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for following Friday’s flash floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 59 people in Kerr County.
Rescue and recovery operations continue across a 30-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, with over 400 first responders from more than 20 agencies conducting coordinated grid-based searches.
Officials are urging the public to rely only on verified sources for updates.
Daily press briefings are held at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and those seeking information about missing individuals should call the dedicated hotline at 830-258-1111.
Accurate updates are being shared through the official Facebook pages of the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Kerrville.
Authorities emphasized the importance of avoiding and not amplifying unverified reports on social media during such a critical time.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.