What began as a joyful summer retreat for hundreds of young girls has ended in unthinkable tragedy. All campers at the beloved Camp Mystic have now been confirmed dead after a catastrophic flash flood tore through Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. Officials fear the final death toll could surpass 100.
A Flood With No Warning
More than 750 girls were attending Camp Mystic when the Guadalupe River surged over 30 feet in a matter of minutes. With almost no warning, cabins near the riverbank were overtaken by a torrent of water as a month’s worth of rain fell in a single night. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the destruction was overwhelming. By Monday morning, the worst had been confirmed — 24 campers lost their lives.
Hearts Shattered, Names Remembered
Among the victims:
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Renee Smajstrla, 8
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Janie Hunt, 9
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Sarah Marsh, 8, visiting from Alabama
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Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, best friends sharing a cabin
These names — and many others — now echo through a nation in mourning. The camp’s longtime director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, 70, died trying to save the girls. The youngest victim was just eight years old.
A Dream Turned Nightmare
Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ camp cherished for its riverfront serenity and traditions of sisterhood, is now a place of profound sorrow.
“This is the darkest day in the history of our community,” said Kendall County Sheriff Troy Mendez. “We’ve lost daughters, sisters, best friends — we’ve lost the light.”
Blake Shelton’s Gift: Money, Music, and Mourning
As the country watched in heartbreak, country star Blake Shelton stepped in — not for attention, but from the depths of personal empathy.
He quietly donated $100,000 to aid victims’ families and local recovery efforts. But it was his next gesture that brought the nation to tears.
Late Monday night, Shelton released a surprise acoustic song, “River of Angels,” written within hours of learning the news. Sparse, emotional, and aching with loss, the lyrics include:
“You danced where the water runs,
Now Heaven holds your song.
We prayed you’d make it home —
Instead, God called you along.”
In a raw, tearful video posted to social media, Shelton shared:
“I didn’t know these girls, but I felt like I did. They remind me of my nieces, my friends’ kids — they remind me of all of us. I hope this song brings peace.”
Vigils, Tears, and a Nation in Grief
From Austin to Dallas, candlelight vigils have filled parks and churchyards. Parents, students, strangers — all have gathered to mourn and remember. Flowers, notes, friendship bracelets, and photographs now line makeshift memorials across the state.
On social media, the hashtags #RiverOfAngels and #PrayForCampMystic have become digital altars.
President Biden called the flood “a national tragedy” and pledged federal support, while Governor Greg Abbott praised the ongoing heroism of first responders.
More Than a Texas Tragedy
As families prepare for funerals and communities begin to reckon with loss, the story of Camp Mystic has become more than local — it has become universal.
It’s a story about fragility. About innocence stolen too soon. And about the deep ache we all feel when the world loses its light.
In Blake Shelton’s words:
“They weren’t just girls at a camp.
They were dreams in motion.
And now they are songs in the stars.”
🕊️ Rest in peace, Camp Mystic girls. The world will remember your names — and sing them forever.
