On the early morning of July 4, 2025, a catastrophic natural disaster struck the Texas Hill Country when the Guadalupe River suddenly surged, unleashing a historic flood that devastated Camp Mystic—a Christian summer camp for girls near Hunt, Texas. With over 750 girls aged 7 to 17 attending the camp, the flood claimed the lives of at least 27 people, including children and staff, while leaving dozens more missing. Amid the heart-wrenching stories, the discovery and identification of victims have become a focal point, bringing both pain and faint hope to families awaiting news. This article recounts the story of the disaster, the rescue efforts, and the journey to identify the victims, including recent discoveries about the first victim found.

The Context of the Camp Mystic Disaster

Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic is a renowned Christian summer camp situated along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. With nearly a century of history, the camp has been a beloved destination for generations of Texas girls, including descendants of prominent political families such as former First Lady Laura Bush and the family of former President Lyndon Johnson. The camp offers traditional activities like archery, canoeing, horseback riding, and Bible study sessions, creating an environment of “joy and carefree spirit,” as described by author Claudia Sullivan in her book Heartfelt: A Memoir of Camp Mystic Inspirations.

However, the serene beauty of the Guadalupe River turned deadly when a sudden tropical storm hit on the morning of July 4. According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey, the river’s water level surged nearly 8 meters in just 45 minutes, creating a wall of water that swept away everything in its path. The cabins located in the low-lying area, known as “The Flats,” where the youngest girls stayed, were submerged in the floodwaters. The Bubble Inn, a well-known cabin for 8-year-old girls, became a symbol of loss as all the children and two counselors in this cabin perished.

The Victims and Their Heartbreaking Stories

As of July 8, 2025, at least 27 people, including 22 children and 5 staff members, have been confirmed dead at Camp Mystic, with 5 children and one counselor still missing. In total, the flood claimed over 121 lives across Central Texas, with 161 people still unaccounted for, according to a statement by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Among the first victims identified was Mary Grace Baker, an 8-year-old girl from Beaumont, Texas. Mary Grace, a second-grader at St. Anne Catholic School, was described as a “radiant light” with an “infectious smile” and “angelic curly locks.” The school called on the community to tie pink ribbons on trees in her memory after her body was found on July 5, just one day after the flood.

A pair of 8-year-old twin sisters from Dallas, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, were also among the victims. Their family, through their grandfather David Lawrence Jr., former editor of the Miami Herald, shared that Hanna and Rebecca brought “boundless joy” to their lives. Hanna dreamed of becoming a chef to open a free restaurant for the poor, while Rebecca loved animals and aspired to be a teacher. The twins were found together, a testament to their inseparable bond.

Lila Bonner, a 9-year-old from Dallas, was another victim identified early. Lila’s family told CBS News Texas that they were “heartbroken” by the loss and requested privacy. Lila, along with her close friend Eloise Peck, also 8 years old, was staying in the same cabin at Camp Mystic. Both were described as confident, animal-loving, and energetic girls. Lila’s body was found on July 5, while Eloise remained on the missing list until July 7, when her family confirmed her passing.

Hadley Hanna, another 8-year-old from Dallas, was also confirmed deceased. Hadley’s father, Cody Crossman, wrote on Facebook that he couldn’t believe the last hug and “double high-five” with his daughter before she left for camp would be their final one. Hadley was remembered for her smile and laughter that brightened everyone around her.

Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor who had just graduated from Kinkaid School in Houston, was among the victims. Chloe, set to attend the University of Texas at Austin, was described by her family as living a life “full of contagious joy, infinite grace, and steadfast faith.” She had returned to Camp Mystic as a counselor to inspire and guide the younger girls.

Richard “Dick” Eastland, the longtime director of Camp Mystic, also perished while trying to save the children from the floodwaters. He passed away en route to a hospital in Houston, leaving behind his wife, Tweety, and a legacy spanning generations at the camp. His nephew, George Eastland, wrote on Instagram that his death was “the only way” he could have gone, while protecting the girls he cherished.

Discovery of the First Victim and Rescue Efforts

On July 5, the body of Sarah Marsh, an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was among the first to be found. Sarah’s grandmother, Debbie Ford Marsh, shared on Facebook that Sarah was a “mischievous spark,” and the family felt “blessed” to have had her in their lives, even for a short time. Sarah’s identification brought painful clarity to her family, marking the beginning of a long and challenging process of searching for and identifying victims.

Rescue efforts were launched immediately after the disaster, involving the National Guard, FBI, Border Patrol, and specialized rescue teams. Over 850 people were saved, including many girls found clinging to trees or stranded in elevated areas. One courageous counselor broke a cabin window to help the girls swim to safety, while two others, Silvana Garza Valdez and María Paula Zárate, wrote the children’s names on their arms and legs with markers to aid identification later.

However, rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the rugged terrain and piles of debris along the Guadalupe River. Governor Abbott vowed to continue the search “until every missing person is found,” but hopes of finding survivors have dimmed as time passes.

Community Impact and Response

The tragedy at Camp Mystic was not only a loss for the families but also a shock to the Texas community. Memorial services were held in San Antonio, with many attendees wearing green and white—the colors of Camp Mystic—to pray and sing hymns. The Dallas community tied green ribbons to honor girls like Linnie McCown, while St. Anne School in Beaumont called for pink ribbons in memory of Mary Grace Baker.

However, the tragedy also raised questions about disaster preparedness at Camp Mystic. Although the camp had an emergency response plan tested just two days before the flood, there was no flood warning siren system in the area due to high installation costs. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick emphasized that “there should have been a siren” to provide earlier warnings.

The Road Ahead

As rescue teams continue to scour the Guadalupe River and the debris, the Camp Mystic community is grappling with grief. Stories of bravery—from young counselors to director Dick Eastland—offer solace amid the overwhelming loss. The identification of victims, such as Sarah Marsh, Mary Grace Baker, Hanna, and Rebecca Lawrence, has brought closure to some families, but the pain remains raw for those still awaiting news.

Camp Mystic, once a “place of joy and carefree spirit,” is now a symbol of an unforgettable tragedy. Yet, the unity of the Texas community and the tireless efforts of rescue teams stand as a testament to the hope that even in the darkest moments, the light of humanity can still shine.