As our editor Becca Lower reported on Friday, flash flooding in the Hill Country of Texas has resulted in 13 deaths, with more than 20 girls reported missing from a private Christian summer camp in the central part of the state.
News Channel 3 has been circulating the names and the images of the missing girls: Lila Bonner, Eloise Peck, Hadley Hanna, Kellyanne Lytal, Lainey Landry, Cile Steward, Virginia Hollis, Margaret Sheedy, Molly Dewitt, Anna Margaret Bellows, Blakely McCrory, Mary Grace Baker, and Linnie McCown.
Lila Bonner, Eloise Peck, Hadley Hanna, 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 are missing in Texas Camp Mystic in flood pic.twitter.com/BCFL6Qg8Rb
— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) July 4, 2025
A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway after historic flooding along the Guadalupe River swept away portions of Camp Mystic, a prominent all-girls Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas.
Family members have confirmed that Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck —campers staying in the “Bubble Inn” cabin—remain missing, along with at least 20 other girls.
The flooding was triggered by severe overnight storms that caused the Guadalupe River to surge over 22 feet in just 30 minutes Friday morning.
At its peak, the river reached 30 feet in nearby Comfort, breaking long-standing records.
Reports Saturday morning from local News 2 NOW confirm that the bodies of Sarah Marsh, Janie Hunt, and Renee Smajstria were recovered. Renee’s parents were in Italy when the news reached them, and they were desperately trying to get back to the United States. They confirmed the terrible news through a Facebook post.
No words.
From Shawn Salta on Facebook.
This was in regards to Renee Smajstrla at #CampMystic pic.twitter.com/u2kwGTk1P1— Collin Myers (@collinmyerswx) July 5, 2025
It’s a heartbreaking situation. President Trump was aboard Air Force One when reporters asked if he had heard about the tragedy. The president affirmed that he was aware of it, and that they were working with TX Governor Greg Abbott to provide federal aid.
WATCH:
.@POTUS addresses the devastating floods in Texas: “It’s terrible. It’s shocking … We’re working with the Governor. It’s a terrible thing.” pic.twitter.com/0cgJNTp5zZ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 5, 2025
Trump posted on Saturday morning on Truth Social to further confirm the federal and state coordination of resources.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 5, 2025
The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday. Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly. Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!
Vice President JD Vance also responded and offered up a prayer for the departed souls:
Our nation’s heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. Just an incomprehensible tragedy.
I hope everyone affected knows they’re in the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans.
***Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine…— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 5, 2025
Our nation’s heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. Just an incomprehensible tragedy.
I hope everyone affected knows they’re in the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans.
***Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.***
The United Cajun Navy is on the ground in Texas to assist in the recovery and rescue efforts. They thanked those reaching out to volunteer to help.
We genuinely appreciate the outpouring of volunteer requests for the mission in Texas. At this time, we are only using special ops volunteers. Given the sensitive nature of the missing being adolescent girls, we don’t have time to vet new people. We hope everybody understands…
— United Cajun Navy (@Unitedcajunnavy) July 5, 2025
We genuinely appreciate the outpouring of volunteer requests for the mission in Texas. At this time, we are only using special ops volunteers. Given the sensitive nature of the missing being adolescent girls, we don’t have time to vet new people. We hope everybody understands and we love you!
As this story continues to unfold, RedState will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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