Catastrophic flash flooding hit the Texas Hill Country on July 4, leaving more than 100 dead across the state. As many as 161 people remained missing as of Friday, so the death toll could continue to rise. Among the harrowing tales from the mass casualty event are those of the roughly 750 girls who attended Camp Mystic. At least 27 of its campers and counselors died in the tragedy. Here are the five most-read stories about the flooding.
San Antonio mother recounts dramatic rescue from deadly camp flood
A San Antonio mother described the terrifying escape her two daughters made from deadly flooding at Camp Mystic, crediting counselors with saving lives by breaking windows to evacuate girls as water surged into cabins. The flood, which struck during the July Fourth weekend, left at least 27 dead and several still missing among the camp’s 750 attendees. The mother’s 9-year-old was rescued from a cabin near the river, while her 12-year-old was evacuated from higher ground as water entered her cabin. Both girls were airlifted to safety and reunited with family, while their mother expressed gratitude and heartbreak for those still missing or lost.
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Camp Mystic director remembered for heroic rescue during deadly flood
Richard “Dick” Eastland, longtime director of Camp Mystic, died while trying to save campers as floodwaters from the Guadalupe River overwhelmed the Christian summer camp. Eastland was swept away while rescuing girls from a cabin near the river, with his body later found alongside other victims. Former campers and colleagues described him as a selfless leader who always put the safety and well-being of the girls first. Eastland, who ran the camp with his wife since 1974, was remembered as a comforting and inspirational figure whose final act was one of courage and sacrifice.
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Sisters found holding hands after deadly Texas flood sweeps family away
Blair and Brooke Harber, ages 11 and 13, were found dead holding hands after floodwaters swept them from a Kerr County home where they were staying with their grandparents. The sisters’ bodies were discovered 15 miles from the house, hours after Brooke sent a final text saying “I love you.” Their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, remained missing as the family continued search efforts. Survivors described a harrowing escape as water rose rapidly, forcing them to break windows and seek shelter with neighbors. Only a handful of homes in the gated community survived the flood, which also claimed the life of one family dog…