**Note:** This story was originally reported in July 2024.
A devastating flash flood at Camp Mystic in Texas has left at least 27 dead and 11 still missing. Among the survivors was 13-year-old Stella Thompson, who described the chaos and fear that unfolded as floodwaters surged through the camp near the Guadalupe River.
Triggered by sudden, intense rainfall, the flood caught campers and staff off guard, despite some early warnings. Waters rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes on July 4. Emergency plans were quickly overwhelmed.
Counselors instructed children to write their names on their bodies in case they were swept away. “We started to write our names on our skin,” said one, recalling the terrifying moments before evacuation. Some children clutched their stuffed animals, unaware of what was to come.
The death toll includes both campers and staff, with over 80 lives lost across the region. Rescue efforts continue, and officials warn the toll may rise.
Camp Mystic issued a statement expressing grief and gratitude for first responders. Families of victims are still awaiting news, as the community rallies with support and vigils.
Stella, now safely rescued, gave a heartbreaking reflection:
**“It didn’t look like Camp Mystic anymore… you’d see kayaks in trees. We had no idea what was coming.”**
This tragedy is a stark reminder of how fast nature can turn deadly — and the importance of preparedness when lives are at stake.