The number of lives lost in the catastrophic Texas flooding continues to grow, with devastating updates coming from each affected county. Among the most heartbreaking stories: a young girl’s final three-word text to her family before she and her sister were swept away, a camp director’s final heroic act, and a haunting final photo of smiling children moments before disaster struck. Here’s a look at the stories behind the numbers — the messages, faces, and families forever changed.
What Happened During the Catastrophic Flooding?
Massive search and rescue missions are underway across Texas following record-breaking floods that have now claimed at least 111 lives. Many more remain missing as emergency crews push on, searching submerged homes and debris.
Kerr County has suffered the worst loss, with 87 confirmed deaths, including 15 children. Many of these young lives were lost at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp devastated by floodwaters. Twenty-seven children are still unaccounted for there.
Other counties have also been hit hard: Travis County reported seven deaths, Kendall County eight, Burnet County five (with one missing), Williamson County three (with one missing), and Tom Green County one.
Early reports suggested far fewer fatalities, but the numbers have sharply increased as waters recede and more victims are found. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha shared that many children were at camps along the Guadalupe River when the water rose swiftly and violently.
Officials warn that these numbers may continue to climb as recovery efforts continue around the clock.
What Were the Harrowing Final Words from Brooke Harber?
In North Texas, the Harber family is reeling after losing sisters Blair, 13, and Brooke, 11, to the floods. Even more devastating: their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, remain missing.
Blair and Brooke’s bodies were discovered 15 miles from where the water swept them away, still holding each other’s hands when found — a powerful symbol of their unbreakable bond.
Before she died, Brooke sent a simple but heartbreaking text to her father and grandparents at 3:30 a.m.: “I love you.”
A GoFundMe campaign created by family friends to help with funeral expenses has already surpassed $300,000, showing an overwhelming wave of support. Blair and Brooke will be remembered together in a joint service at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas.
Why Did Camp Mystic Director Dick Eastland Stay Behind?
Richard “Dick” Eastland, the beloved co-owner and leader of Camp Mystic, gave his life trying to save children as the floodwaters rose.
On July 4, more than 700 girls were at Camp Mystic. When the flooding hit, Dick attempted to lead the youngest campers from the Bubble Inn cabin to safety. Tragically, he was later found in his vehicle with three girls he had tried to save.
His sacrifice was remembered by loved ones and former campers as the ultimate act of love and dedication. Meanwhile, his wife and co-director, Tweety Eastland, survived at their home.
Dick had led Camp Mystic since 1974, guiding thousands of girls to grow in faith and confidence. His final moments reflected a lifetime of compassion and courage.
What Did Investigators Learn from Missing Teacher Jeff Wilson’s Truck?
Jeff Wilson, a teacher from Kingwood, vanished with his wife Amber and son Shiloh during the holiday weekend flood.
The family had traveled to Kerrville for a youth rodeo. On July 4, a relative posted a desperate plea for help online. The next day, Jeff’s body was found; Amber and Shiloh remain missing.
Their truck was located in the river, but the camper it had carried was gone. The family’s story struck a deep chord in their hometown, where Jeff was a beloved high school teacher.
A community prayer vigil drew hundreds in Kingwood, as families prayed for Amber and Shiloh’s safe return.
What Were Joyce Badon’s Last Words?
Joyce Catherine Badon, 21, tragically lost her life after a flash flood swept through Hunt, Texas.
While trapped in a flooded house with friends, Joyce spoke her final words during a desperate phone call to her friend’s father: “They just got washed away,” she said moments before the line went dead.
Joyce was found days later. Two of her friends remain missing, while another was confirmed dead. Her mother shared that Joyce always radiated love and light and took comfort in believing her daughter was at peace.
The Haunting Last Photo from Camp Mystic
A recently released photo shows 13 Camp Mystic girls and two counselors smiling in white tennis outfits, taken less than a week before the flood.
Now, the image has become a heartbreaking symbol of the innocence and joy lost to this disaster. Some of the girls pictured are still missing, while others did not survive.
Social media users have shared the image widely, leaving messages of grief and support for the victims’ families.
A Collective Grief
Each story coming out of the Texas flood — from final texts and phone calls to the children’s smiles in that last photo — serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change. Communities across Texas and beyond mourn together, holding onto memories and hoping for healing in the face of unspeakable loss.