Families confirm multiple campers did not survive deadly Texas flooding
Family members have confirmed that multiple young girls attending Camp Mystic, a beloved Hill Country summer camp, did not survive the catastrophic flooding that struck the area over the July 4th weekend. Multiple sources also confirm the camp’s longtime owner and director Dick Eastland died while trying to save a group of campers.
Officials said the nearly 100-year-old camp, located along the Guadalupe River, was hosting roughly 750 children at the time.
Austinite Michael McCown posted on Instagram that his daughter, Linnie, did not survive the flood at Camp Mystic.
“It’s with the heaviest of hearts we must share that our sweet little Linnie is with the Lord in heaven,” McCown said on Instagram. “She filled our hearts with so much joy we cannot begin to explain.”
McCown confirmed Linnie was a student at Casis Elementary School in Austin. A vigil is planned outside the school at 7:15 p.m. Sunday.
The family of camper Lila Bonner also confirmed to KXAN on Saturday that she was among those killed in the flooding. In a statement, her family said, “We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”
Gov. Greg Abbott said Saturday that first responders have rescued more than 850 people in the last 36 hours. State and local officials have not released the names of those believed to be dead. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday morning that 59 people have died, including 21 children. Eleven Camp Mystic campers and one camp counselor remain unaccounted for.
“The rescue has gone as good as can be expected. Now it’s time for the recovery,” said Kerr County Judge Roy Kelly. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd said Saturday that crews are still searching for possible survivors along the length of the Guadalupe River — in the water, on the ground and from the air.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, posted on X, “So many lives lost. Others unaccounted for […] We are offering condolences, praying with the grieving, and giving thanks for the rescued.”
