Texas Flood Leaves Camps Devastated, Children Missing

The recent flooding in Texas Hill Country has turned a once-serene summer camp haven into a scene of tragedy. Rescuers are combing through wreckage as families grapple with the loss of loved ones and the uncertainty surrounding the missing.

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue

Following the devastating floods, search efforts continue for eleven girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, along with other individuals still unaccounted for. **Texas Governor Greg Abbott** reported that 41 people statewide remain missing after the deluge.

Community Mourns Losses

Among the victims are two camp directors: **Richard “Dick” Eastland**, co-owner and co-executive director of Camp Mystic, and **Jane Ragsdale**, the director and co-owner of Heart O’ the Hills camp. The loss has deeply impacted not only the local community but also those connected to the camps from across the country.

Approximately 200 people gathered at the First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville to mourn **Jane Ragsdale**, a lifelong member and leader. Retired pastor **Jack Haberer** remembered her as someone who “lit up the room when she walked in,” always offering positive and encouraging words.

Heroism Amidst Tragedy

**Richard “Dick” Eastland**’s dedication to the campers at Mystic was unwavering. **Cami Wright**, a former camper and counselor, stated, “He died trying to save Mystic girls. That was his whole life.” He was found alongside three girls he attempted to rescue from the floodwaters.

Others, like **Julian Ryan**, also acted heroically. **Christinia Wilson**, his fiancee, told KHOU that **Ryan** helped his family to safety as floodwaters engulfed their home. He was later found, having succumbed to injuries sustained during the rescue.

“He died a hero, and that will never go unnoticed.”

—Connie Salas, **Ryan’s** sister

Remembering the Children

As the days pass, more names of young victims are emerging. **Janie Hunt**, **Blair** and **Brooke Harber**, and **Linnie McCown** are among those mourned by their families and communities. **Shawn Salta**, the uncle of 8-year-old **Smajstrla**, shared a poignant image of her from camp, noting, “She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”

Camp Traditions Remembered

Sundays at Camp Mystic held special significance, marked by traditions like wearing white and attending services at Chapel Hill. **Wright** recalled how campers would write “chicken letters” before enjoying their fried chicken dinner. A friend of a friend, she noted, likely received such a letter from her daughter shortly before the child’s death.

After the Deluge

The recent storms that caused the flooding are part of a larger pattern of increased extreme weather events. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. has sustained 377 weather and climate disasters since 1980 where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion, as of early 2024 (NOAA). These events have resulted in an estimated cost of $2.660 trillion.