Texas Hill Country Devastated by Sudden Flooding: Multiple Deaths, Missing Campers

After severe overnight rains sent the Guadalupe River rushing through communities on Independence Day, Texas Hill Country flooding killed at least 13 people and left many missing, including 20 Camp Mystic girls.

By Friday afternoon, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reported 6 to 10 bodies retrieved, while Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 13 deaths during a news conference. The search and rescue went through Friday night as relatives sought updates on their missing loved ones.

Central Kerr County had almost 10 inches of rain overnight, forcing the Guadalupe River to rise swiftly and take away homes, automobiles, and tents, according to the National Weather Service. Loved ones posted desperate messages and images of missing family members on social media to confirm their safety.

Erin Burgess and her 19-year-old son clung to a tree in Bumble Bee Hills as floodwaters overwhelmed their home. “My son and I floated to a tree, while my boyfriend and dog floated away,” she cried, grateful for their reunion.

Judge Rob Kelly, the county's top elected official, acknowledged many deaths and hundreds of rescues but said authorities were still identifying casualties. “Most of them, we do not know who they are,” Kelly said, describing emergency personnel's terrible struggles in the mayhem.

Despite National Weather Service warnings, local officials said the flooding was worse than any in Flash Flood Alley. Kelly claimed, “No one knew this kind of flood was coming,” as reporters questioned the county's preparedness.

State and federal agencies sent hundreds of rescuers and helicopters to flood alerts for over 30,000 residents overnight.

Kelly stated, “This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States,” warning citizens to stay clear of flood zones during rescue efforts.