As Texas search and rescue operation are underway following the massive floods, authorities have found bodies of two missing Camp Mystic girls.
Authorities conducting search and rescue operations after devastating floods in Texas have recovered the bodies of two missing campers from Camp Mystic, local reports confirmed, as cited by the NY Post.
The victims, 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla and 9-year-old Janie Hunt, were among as many as 25 campers swept away during the severe flash flooding along the Guadalupe River.
Renee’s uncle, Shawn Salta, shared an emotional message on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the support and acknowledging that the swift identification was aided by social media outreach.
“Thank you to all our friends and family for the prayers and support. Renee has been found. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, social media likely helped first responders locate her quickly,” Salta wrote. He added, “We are grateful she was with her friends and enjoying herself, as shown in this picture from yesterday. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic. Please keep praying for the other families in Kerrville.”
Meanwhile, Corpus Christi Crónica reported that 9-year-old Janie Hunt was also found deceased. Earlier, her mother told CNN she had not received any updates on her daughter’s whereabouts and was holding on to hope through prayer.
The tragedy unfolded on Friday when catastrophic floods swept through Camp Mystic, a Christian sleep-away camp for girls aged 7 to 17. The floodwaters destroyed several cabins while the children were asleep.
According to the National Weather Service, the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic, located in the Hunt suburb of San Antonio, rose more than 20 feet within ninety minutes—a flood level not seen since 1987. A flash flood warning was issued around 4 a.m., when most campers were asleep.
Officials continue to warn of ongoing flood risks from San Antonio to Waco over the next two days. Search and rescue efforts resumed Saturday morning amid continued rainfall in Hill County.
