Local News
Sarah Marsh Found Deceased Following Catastrophic Flash Flooding at Camp Mystic, Grandmother Says
KERR COUNTY, Texas — The grandmother of Sarah Marsh has confirmed to Channel2 NOW that Sarah is among the latest victims to be found deceased following the catastrophic flash flooding that swept through Camp Mystic.
Sarah from Mountain Brook, a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary had been missing since the floods hit the all-girls Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas.
Her death adds to the growing list of confirmed fatalities, which includes fellow campers Janie Hunt and Renee Smajstrla.
Both girls were recovered after a cabin at Camp Mystic was swept away by rapidly rising waters of the Guadalupe River.
Among the lives lost in this tragedy is Camp Mystic Director Dick Eastland.
Eastland, who led the camp through decades of cherished summers, had previously endured profound personal loss—having lost his son and grandson—and had survived a battle with brain cancer.
He is remembered by the camp community as a steadfast leader and mentor.
Ellen Troxclair confirmed to Channel 2 NOW that at least 10 individuals from Camp Mystic have been confirmed deceased, including longtime camp director Dick Eastland and several young campers.
This brings the total number of lives lost to at least 35, following the 25 fatalities reported the previous night.
The flooding was caused by a historic 15 inches of rainfall that fell in a matter of hours, overwhelming the Guadalupe River and parts of Central Texas.
Officials have confirmed at least 24 deaths across the region, with over 20 individuals still unaccounted for as of Friday night.
Governor Greg Abbott addressed the ongoing crisis in a press conference, calling it a “mass casualty event.” He confirmed that state and local emergency personnel remain in a “search and rescue posture” and that operations will continue “nonstop, throughout the night and into the morning.” The use of helicopters equipped with infrared technology is assisting in locating survivors or victims amid the floodwaters and debris.
Efforts have included the deployment of over 100 game wardens and aviation units. While access to Camp Mystic was initially restricted due to the flooding, rescuers were able to reach the grounds by midday Friday and began evacuating children.
More than 200 people have since been rescued or evacuated, including 167 by air, according to Major General Thomas M. Suelzer.
Camp Mystic remains the only known summer camp along the Guadalupe River where people are still unaccounted for, despite officials being in communication with 18 other camps in the area.
The remote region continues to suffer from loss of power, internet, and road access, further complicating rescue efforts.
Governor Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for multiple counties affected by the flooding, including Kerr, Bandera, Kendall, and Gillespie, among others. He pledged that all available state resources will be deployed to assist in the rescue and recovery.
“We are focused on the ones that cannot help themselves right now,” said Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. “That is our primary area of concern.”
The number of missing individuals continues to fluctuate as evacuations and reunifications progress.
The situation remains fluid, and families across Texas await word on the safety of their loved ones.
Officials are urging the public to continue offering prayers and support.
Emergency personnel, volunteers, and countless families remain united in grief, hope, and determination during this unprecedented tragedy.
Local News
Cessna Aircraft Crashes Into Field During Takeoff Attempt in Batavia, Ohio; Instructor and Student Reportedly Uninjured
BATAVIA, Ohio (Clermont County) — A Cessna aircraft went down into a field after an unsuccessful takeoff attempt near Sporty’s Pilot Shop in Batavia, Ohio, according to preliminary incident information.
Both occupants, a flight instructor and a student pilot, reportedly escaped the incident without injuries.
The aircraft crash was reported near 2001 Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, in Clermont County. Initial information indicates that the Cessna failed to take off and went down into a nearby field.
Two people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. They were identified in the initial report as a flight instructor and a student pilot.
Both occupants reportedly exited the aircraft and were reported to be uninjured. According to the preliminary information, they were being transported back to Sporty’s Pilot Shop following the incident.
No injuries were reported in the information provided, although further official confirmation may be needed.
The incident occurred in the area of Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, a community in Clermont County, Ohio. The aircraft reportedly entered a field after failing to become airborne during its takeoff attempt.
Details about the aircraft’s condition, the precise circumstances of the failed takeoff and whether emergency crews or aviation investigators responded were not immediately available in the initial report.
The cause of the incident has not been established, and no additional information about possible damage to the aircraft was provided.
This is a developing story. Further details may become available as authorities confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident.