Texas flood victims: Girl 'living her best life' and 'heart and soul' of camp

July 5, 2025

of Texas Flash Flood Tragedy Flash floods in Texas have claimed at least 51 lives, including 15 children, with many victims coming from summer camps along the Guadalupe River. Eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla and camp director Jane Ragsdale are among those confirmed dead, while 27 children remain missing from Camp Mystic. Other identified victims include Sarah Marsh and Janie Hunt from Camp Mystic, Julian Ryan who died saving his family, camp co-owner Dick Eastland, Katheryn Eads who was swept away from her campervan, sisters Blair and Brooke Harber who were staying with their grandparents, and nine-year-old Lila Bonner.

Who is affected

Camp attendees at Camp Mystic and their families
Staff and owners of Camp Mystic and Heart O' the Hills camps
Families staying in riverside homes and cabins
Local residents in Ingram, Kerrville, and Hunt, Texas areas
Parents and extended families of the deceased children
Communities connected to the victims, including schools and churches like St. Rita Catholic Community
Campers and their families
Surviving family members of victims

What action is being taken

Officials are working to identify most of the victims
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, particularly for the 27 children still missing from Camp Mystic
Authorities are assessing damage along the Guadalupe River
Family members are identifying bodies of loved ones at funeral homes
Local communities and churches are organizing prayer services and support for affected families
Emergency responders are continuing recovery efforts in flood-affected areas

Why it matters

This is a major natural disaster with 51 confirmed deaths, including 15 children
The flooding has devastated long-established institutions like Camp Mystic, which has operated since the 1930s
Multiple families and communities across several states are affected by the loss of children and loved ones
The flash flooding struck without adequate warning, highlighting vulnerability to sudden extreme weather events
The tragedy has impacted multiple generations of families connected to these riverside camps and communities
The flooding disrupted summer activities at popular camps that have deep historical significance in the region

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC