KERR COUNTY, Texas — The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Central Texas has climbed to 68, including 59 fatalities in Kerr County, as authorities continue search and recovery efforts.
Among the victims are children, families, and respected members of the community, tragically swept away by floodwaters that surged along the Guadalupe River, decimating homes and summer camps in the region.
A heartbreaking image shared by responders shows a Kerr County Sheriff’s deputy pausing along the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic—his grief visible as search operations stretch into another day.
68 confirmed deaths statewide: 59 in Kerr County, 11 girls and 1 counselor still missing from Camp Mystic.
Eloise Peck, 8, has been confirmed dead. Peck was one of the girls at Camp Mystic that was reported missing after the floods Friday morning.
Sarah Marsh, 8, of Alabama – confirmed deceased by her grandmother.
Lila Bonner, 9, of Dallas – found deceased; her family has requested privacy.
Janie Hunt and Renee Smajstrla, both 9 – their deaths have been confirmed by loved ones.
Brooke and Blaire Harber, sisters from Dallas – bodies recovered; grandparents still missing.
Dick Eastland, beloved Camp Mystic director – reportedly died while attempting to rescue girls.
Jeff Wilson, longtime Humble ISD teacher – confirmed dead; his wife and son remain missing.
Reece and Paula Zunker, Tivy High School soccer coach and wife – confirmed deceased; their two children remain missing.
Holly Frizzell, 72, of Hunt – remembered by her daughter as a loving mother and grandmother.
Julian Ryan, 27, of Ingram – died saving his mother, fiancée, and two children.
Katheryn Eads – confirmed deceased; her husband survived.
Jane Ragsdale, camp director of Heart O’ the Hills – died in the flooding; remembered as the “heart and soul” of her camp.
Bobby and Amanda Martin, Odessa – confirmed dead; their two children survived.
Bailey Martin and Jayda Floyd – still missing.
Authorities confirmed that more than 200 individuals have been rescued, 167 of them by helicopter.
First responder teams, including 18 helicopters, 107 game wardens, and 400+ rescue personnel, remain engaged in exhaustive day-and-night efforts to locate the missing.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state disaster for 15 counties, including Kerr, Bandera, Comal, Gillespie, and Kendall, stating that the state would commit “every tool and resource” to recovery and rescue.
In a post shared by Camp Mystic staff, families, and friends have flooded social media with tributes to the victims, prayers for the missing, and calls for strength and unity.
Many noted the tragic loss of young campers who had looked forward to a summer of joy and friendship, only for their lives to be cut short by the historic flash flooding that dropped over 15 inches of rain in parts of the Hill Country.
Search and rescue operations continue through the night, aided by infrared-equipped helicopters and trained K-9 units.
Authorities say conditions remain hazardous due to washed-out roads, debris, and isolated communication.
As names and images of the missing circulated widely during the search, families are now asking the public to respect their privacy and refrain from reaching out directly, especially through previously shared contact numbers.
Texas officials, led by Governor Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, have vowed that operations will not cease until every missing person is accounted for. “This is a mass casualty event,” said Freeman Martin, Director of Public Safety. “But we are still holding out hope.”
Please keep the victims, survivors, and their families in your thoughts as this community grieves and continues its search for hope amid heartbreak.
