At least 119 people died in the devastating floods that hit the Guadalupe River in Texas on Independence Day. The disaster is one of the deadliest for children in recent decades, with many victims being young campers at a Christian summer camp.
The floods caught out-of-town families and local residents off guard, including those driving to or from work. Many were swept away by rising floodwaters, while others perished in their homes or cars. The disaster also claimed the lives of several police officers, teachers, and healthcare workers who were on vacation or visiting family.
Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp near Hunt, Texas, was severely affected, with many of its young campers losing their lives. The camp’s director, Dick Eastland, 70, died trying to rescue children from the floodwaters. Several counselors, including 19-year-old Chloe Childress, also perished.
The victims included children as young as eight years old, who were sleeping in low-lying cabins near the river when the floods hit. Many of those who died had never experienced the camp before and were on their first trip to Camp Mystic.
In total, more than 161 people are missing from one county alone, according to Governor Greg Abbott of Texas. The New York Times is providing an ongoing update on the victims’ lives, shedding light on their stories and legacies.
The disaster has left a community reeling in shock, with many residents expressing their grief and paying tribute to those who lost their lives. As investigators continue to search for survivors and identify victims, the true extent of the damage remains unknown.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/09/us/texas-floods-victims.html