A viral video capturing moments of joy at Camp Mystic has taken a tragic turn, becoming a somber reminder of the devastation caused by the recent Texas flash floods that claimed the lives of 27 campers and counselors.
In the now widely shared footage, posted on TikTok by camp nurse Devon Paige, young girls at the all-girls Christian summer camp in Kerr County are seen dancing, laughing, and enjoying activities in the mess hall and open fields. The clips were filmed between June 28 and July 3 — just hours before disaster struck.
Flash Flood Turns Camp Into Chaos
Early on July 4, severe storms caused the Guadalupe River to rise more than 26 feet in under an hour, sweeping through the campgrounds at around 4 a.m. At the time, over 750 girls were staying at Camp Mystic. By Monday, officials confirmed 104 deaths statewide, including 27 from Camp Mystic.
One heart-wrenching comment on X (formerly Twitter) read: “Omg so so tragic. There are no words.” Another user added, “Those poor girls… I am heartbroken for their families.”
Others demanded accountability, calling for an investigation into the camp’s emergency preparedness and decision-making.
Emotional Videos Show Girls Singing Through Tears
In another video posted by Paige, campers can be seen riding in vehicles past scenes of destruction — downed trees, flooded roads, and debris-strewn fields — as they sang worship songs to console one another. “The girls are singing to try and calm everyone,” Paige wrote.
She also shared images of damaged cars and chaotic escape routes, painting a grim picture of the campers’ harrowing flight to safety.
Camp Owner Dies Trying to Save Girls
Among the lives lost was Camp Mystic’s beloved owner, Richard “Dick” Eastland. He reportedly died while trying to rescue girls from the Bubble Inn, a riverside lodging unit within the camp.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha stated that time is running out for active rescue efforts, with 10 campers and one counselor still unaccounted for. Local and state authorities continue deploying all available resources to aid in the search.
Camp administrators said they are working closely with officials and emphasized their heartbreak:
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” read a statement on the camp’s website.
As the nation watches in mourning, the joyful images from Camp Mystic now stand as haunting echoes of young lives lost far too soon.
