Texas Flood Tragedy: Remembering the Lives Lost at Camp Mystic
The recent floods that swept through Central Texas have left a trail of devastation, claiming the lives of 75 individuals and bringing immeasurable grief to families and communities across the region. Among the victims was 8-year-old Hadley Hanna, a beloved elementary school student from University Park ISD, whose life was tragically cut short while attending Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River.
Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls founded in 1926, became the site of one of the deadliest events during the catastrophic flooding. Over the course of the weekend, the camp was overwhelmed by rapidly rising waters following intense rainfall. According to camp officials, 27 campers and counselors lost their lives in the floodwaters. At least 10 additional campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for, deepening the sense of heartbreak and uncertainty for many families still awaiting word.
Hadley’s parents issued a statement acknowledging the overwhelming support they have received from their community but asked for privacy as they endure what they described as “unimaginable grief.”
“While we are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from neighbors, first responders, and volunteers, we ask that the media, the public, and even well-meaning individuals honor our need for space and quiet during this time,” the statement read. “The constant spotlight and inquiries — however well-intended — add to our distress. We appreciate your empathy, your prayers, and understanding.”
The tragedy at Camp Mystic is part of a broader disaster that has impacted Kerr County and surrounding areas. Local authorities report that at least 75 people have died due to the flooding, including 48 adults and 9 children. This makes it one of the deadliest weather-related incidents in recent Texas history.
The heartbreak felt across Texas is amplified by the deeply personal nature of the losses. Families sent their children to camp expecting joy, growth, and friendship—not tragedy. For many, the floods struck with little warning, and the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River left limited time for evacuation. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the scope of the disaster was overwhelming.
Camp Mystic holds a long-standing reputation in the community, known for its serene setting, traditional values, and the strong bonds formed among its campers. This sense of connection makes the loss all the more profound for the families, counselors, and alumni who consider the camp a second home.
As the region begins the slow process of recovery, conversations are already turning to the challenges posed by increasingly extreme weather patterns. While this particular event is under investigation, many experts have pointed out that warmer temperatures and climate variability are making floods like these more frequent and more severe.
For grieving families, though, the focus remains on mourning their children and honoring their memory. Communities across Texas have held vigils, organized support networks, and shared messages of compassion for those affected. Local schools, churches, and mental health professionals have stepped in to support both children and adults as they process the trauma and navigate the aftermath.
There is also a growing dialogue about how to help children cope with such tragedies. Mental health experts emphasize the importance of open, age-appropriate conversations, as well as the need to acknowledge children’s fears and reassure them of their safety. Parents and educators are encouraged to create space for young people to express their emotions and to seek professional help when needed.
In the weeks to come, more details will likely emerge about what happened at Camp Mystic and across Kerr County during this unprecedented weather event. But for now, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost, comforting those who mourn, and finding resilience in the face of immense sorrow.
Hadley Hanna’s memory, along with those of the many others who perished, will remain etched in the hearts of their families, friends, and the wider Texas community. Their stories are a poignant reminder of life’s fragility—and the enduring strength of human compassion in times of tragedy.
Main Source:
FOX 4 News – “Camp Mystic confirms 27 dead in Guadalupe River flooding” (July 2025)