At least five girls were killed and many more went missing on July 4th when devastating flash floods rushed into a Texas summer camp.
Eleven girls went missing and five campers were killed when rushing waters destroyed the all-girls private Christian summer camp Camp Mystic near Hunt, Texas.
69 people, including 21 children, were killed Friday when the Guadalupe River flooded and swelled by up to 30 feet above its normal water level.
As a month’s worth of rain fell in a matter of minutes, Richard “Dick” Eastland, 70, the adored director of Camp Mystic, died while trying to save girls.
A week prior to the tragedy, the camp shared videos of the children having a great time dancing on stage during their first term choral and dance production on social media
The NYT claims that the youngest children slept on low-lying “flats” inside the camp’s cabins, while the older females slept in rooms on higher ground.
A few yards from the banks of the Guadalupe River, the majority of the missing girls were sleeping.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that when the floodwaters hit, there were about 750 girls living at the camp.
The following is what we know about each of the women who died in the flood.
Smajstrla Renee, 8
According to her family, eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla was among those who died in the devastating floods.
“This photo from yesterday shows that she was having a great time with her friends, and we are grateful for that,” her uncle Shawn Salta posted on Facebook
“Her greatest life will always be at Camp Mystic.”
Janie Hunt, age nine
A Dallas girl named Janie Hunt told the local press that her daughter was one of the campers who died in the flood.
“We are simply heartbroken,” she said to NBC 5.
Sarah Marsh, age eight
Sarah Marsh, an Alabama native, died after the waves swept over Camp Mystic, according to her family.
“I appreciate all of the love and sympathy that has been expressed! We will always consider ourselves fortunate to have had this lovely, feisty light in our lives. She will always be a part of our hearts! According to The Kerrville Daily Times, her grandmother said, “Sweetheart Sarah, we love you so much.”
Lila Bonner, age nine
Lila Bonner’s family confirmed her death to NBC News. At the camp, Bonner shared a cabin with Eloise Peck, her best friend.
The family stated, “We are unable to confirm any details at this time and ask for privacy in the midst of our unimaginable grief.”
“We are praying fervently for others to be spared from this tragic loss, and we are in deep sorrow for everyone who loved her.”
