Texas Flooding Death Toll Rises to 105; 10 Mystic Campers Still Missing

On Tuesday, officials confirmed that the Fourth of July flash floods in Central Texas killed at least 105 people, with Kerr County being the most hit. 

After the Guadalupe River swept 28 campers from Camp Mystic away, a famous all-girls summer camp, tragedy struck. Ten children and one counselor remain missing after five days of recovery.

Sheriff Larry Leitha reported 84 deaths in Kerr County—56 adults and 28 youngsters. Authorities indicate that 22 adults and 10 children, whose identities are unknown, are missing. Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson, and Tom Green counties have reported fatalities due to the flooding. An unexpected and severe storm caused the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in 45 minutes in the early morning, surprising many.

Local and state authorities warn that rescue teams sifting through debris and navigating flooded regions may cause more deaths. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring said, “We continue to hold onto hope with every step, every distance, and every curve of the river.” He called the scenario tragic and advised families to prepare for a difficult week.

At a Kerr County press briefing, Texas Senator Ted Cruz called it “every parent’s nightmare.” Evacuating low-lying camps, such as Mystic, may have saved lives. “If we had the chance to revisit our decisions, we would relocate them to a safer area,” Cruz said, avoiding political blame.

Staff at Camp Mystic called the deaths of 27 campers and counselors “unimaginable.” Rescue crews use helicopters, drones, and trained dogs to hunt for missing people, giving families hope.

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice stressed the flood's speed and unpredictability. "Some of the first responders were being swept away while responding," he said. After a tragic natural disaster in Texas, the Salvation Army is urging locals to donate to relief efforts.

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