07/05/2025
Tragedy Strikes Texas Christian Summer Camp Amid Devastating Floods
On July 4, 2025, a catastrophic flash flood tore through Camp Mystic, a century-old all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, leaving at least two young girls dead and dozens still missing. The sudden disaster, triggered by torrential rains dumping up to 10 inches of water in just hours, has left families and rescuers in a desperate search for survivors.
The Guadalupe River surged nearly 30 feet in under an hour, washing away cabins and catching campers, staff, and local officials off guard. Among the 750 girls at Camp Mystic, 23 to 25 remain unaccounted for, including 9-year-old Janie Hunt, whose family confirmed her tragic death. Another girl, Renee Smajstrla, was also found deceased, deepening the heartbreak for the tight-knit community.
Rescue teams, including the Texas National Guard, are working tirelessly, using helicopters, boats, and drones to search the swollen river and debris-strewn banks. Over 230 people have been rescued so far, with some girls found clinging to trees or swept miles downstream. Parents, like Ellen Toranzo, whose daughter Greta is among the missing, are anxiously awaiting news at reunification centers.
Camp Mystic, known for fostering a “wholesome Christian atmosphere” with activities like archery, cheerleading, and group dances, now faces a grim recovery. The floods, described as an “extraordinary catastrophe,” have sparked questions about whether the camp received adequate warning as the region braces for more rain.
As the search continues, the community holds onto hope, sharing stories of dramatic rescues while mourning the lives lost in this heartbreaking tragedy.
