What began as a joyful summer retreat for hundreds of young girls has ended in unspeakable tragedy. All campers at the beloved Camp Mystic have now been confirmed dead after a catastrophic flash flood swept through Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. Officials say the final death toll could exceed 100.
A Flood With No Warning
Over 750 girls had been attending Camp Mystic when the floodwaters of the Guadalupe River rose by more than 30 feet in mere minutes. With little to no warning, entire cabins were swallowed as a month’s worth of rain fell overnight. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the chaos was overwhelming. By Monday morning, the worst had been confirmed — 24 girls, all campers, had perished.
Hearts Shattered, Names Remembered
Among the victims were eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla, nine-year-old Janie Hunt, Alabama native Sarah Marsh, best friends Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, and many others whose names now echo through a grieving nation. Richard “Dick” Eastland, the camp’s longtime director, died heroically while trying to save the girls. The youngest of the victims was just eight.
A Dream Turned Nightmare
Camp Mystic, a historic Christian camp known for its riverfront serenity and tight-knit sisterhood, has now become a site of mourning. “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.”
Shelton’s Gift: Money, Music, and Mourning
As the nation watched in horror, country music star Blake Shelton stepped forward — not with headlines in mind, but with his heart on his sleeve. Shelton donated $100,000 to support the victims’ families and rescue efforts. Then he went further.
Late Monday night, he released a surprise song titled “River of Angels.” The acoustic ballad, raw and unfiltered, features haunting lyrics like:
“You danced where the water runs,
Now Heaven holds your song.
We prayed you’d make it home —
Instead, God called you along.”
Shelton posted a tearful video to social media: “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’s Grief
Candlelight vigils are being held across Texas, from Austin to Houston to Dallas. Mourners lay flowers, photos, and handwritten notes at makeshift memorials. Thousands have taken to social media to express sorrow, using hashtags like #RiverOfAngels and #PrayForCampMystic.
President Biden issued a solemn statement calling the flood “a national tragedy,” pledging full federal support. Texas Governor Greg Abbott echoed the sentiment, praising the heroism of first responders and volunteers still working around the clock.
More Than a Texas Tragedy
As more names are confirmed and families begin the impossible task of burying their children, one thing is clear: This story belongs to all of us. It’s a reminder of life’s fragility — and the depth of our shared humanity.
Blake Shelton may have said it best:
“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 reme
