Devastating floods that swept Central Texas over the weekend have killed at least 82 people, including 28 children.
Unexpected torrential downpours struck the region on Friday evening, causing the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly and flood the surrounding area.
Flash floods destroyed homes, swept away vehicles and devastated Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp situated on the banks of the river. The camp confirmed Monday that 27 girls and staff members had been killed in last week's catastrophic flash flooding
As search efforts continued, the region braced for further rainfall with the National Weather Service warning the “hardest hit areas” could experience rapid runoff and flash flooding.
The identities of many of the victims are still being determined before being released to the public. Here’s what we know about some of those who have died.
Sarah Marsh
Sarah Marsh, an eight-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was killed in the devastating floods while at Camp Mystic.
Debbie Ford Marsh, the grandmother of Sarah, confirmed the young girl’s death in a now-private Facebook post.
“We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives,” Marsh wrote. “She will live on in our hearts forever!”
Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence
Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, eight-year-old twin sisters from Dallas, were among those killed in the catastrophic floods at Camp Mystic.
Their grandfather, Dave Lawrence Jr, a Miami childhood education advocate, confirmed their deaths Sunday.
“It has been an unimaginable time for all of us,” Lawrence told the Miami Herald. “Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents, John and Lacy, and sister, Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten.”
Janie Hunt
Janie Hunt, a nine-year-old Camp Mystic camper, died in the flooding, her mother told CNN.
It was Hunt’s first time at Camp Mystic as a camper when she attended with her six cousins, all of whom were safe, her grandmother Margaret Hunt told the New York Times.
Hunt’s parents drove to the Ingram Elementary reunification center where they were instructed to visit a funeral home and identify their daughter.
Renee Smajstrla
Eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla was another of the victims who died at Camp Mystic, her uncle confirmed in a Facebook post.
Smajstrla was one of the 27 campers unaccounted for after the devastating floods, Shawn Salta said in the post.
“Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly,” Salta wrote. “We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”
Lila Bonner
Nine-year-old Lila Bonner of Dallas died in the floods while attending Camp Mystic.
“In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time. We ache with all who loved her,” the Bonner family said in a statement to NBC5.
Eloise Peck
Bonner’s best friend Eloise Peck was also killed by raging flood waters, her family confirmed.
The eight-year-old had recently finished second grade at Bradfield Elementary and was at Camp Mystic with Bonner when they both died.
“Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals. She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died,” Missy Peck, the victim’s mother, told FOX 4.
Richard Eastland
Richard “Dick” Eastland who owned Camp Mystic died during his “last act of kindness,” his friend Paige Sumner wrote in a tribute for the Kerville Daily Times.
The father of four reportedly attempted to rescue some of the campers before being swept away by the floodwaters. Eastland’s nephew confirmed his death in a statement on Facebook
His wife, Tweety Eastland, is believed to have survived the devastating floods. The couple had been directors at the girls-only Christian camp since 1974.
Blair and Brooke Harber
Two sisters — 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke — were killed by the floods in Kerr County, their father told CNN on Saturday night.
Harber described Blair as “a gifted student” who had “a generous, kind heart.” Harber said that Brooke was “like a light in any room, people gravitated to her and she made them laugh and enjoy the moment.”
The sisters were not attending Camp Mystic, their father added.
Bobby and Amanda Martin
Bobby Martin, 46, and his wife, Amanda Martin, 44, of Odessa were reportedly camping by the Guadalupe River when their RV was swept away as waters swelled.
John Martin, Bobby’s father, told The New York Times Sunday that his grandchild and their girlfriend were with the couple and were still missing.
“He was an adventurous man, adventurous and outgoing. He had many good friends, because he was a good friend,” the elder Martin said of his son.
Julian Ryan
Julian Ryan, 27, died in the floods while saving his family from the rushing water, according to a GoFundMe launched to support his family.
“Julian, his fiancé, kids, and mother were awakened when water came rushing into their home,” the GoFundMe reads. “Julian jumped into action to protect and save his family and get them to safety.”
“Julian gave his life for his family, passing as a true hero,” the GoFundMe continues. “While his family is eternally grateful for his sacrifice, they are shattered by their loss.”
Jeff Wilson
A longtime high school teacher in suburban Houston, Jeff Wilson, 55, was swept by floodwaters of the Guadalupe River. Wilson was reportedly camping near the river with his wife, Amber, and their 12-year-old son, Shiloh, several friends and his brother-in-law told The New York Times.
Shiloh Wilson, a third-generation cowboy, had been in the area to compete in the Kerrville Open Pro Rodeo on Friday.
Wilson’s son and wife were still missing on Sunday, according to the brother-in-law.
Jane Ragsdale
Jane Ragsdale, the director of Heart O’ the Hills camp in Kerr County, is among the victims killed in the floods, a close friend confirmed on Facebook.
“Jane was more than the beloved Director of Heart O’ the Hills. She was a legend in the camp community shaping generations of campers, staff, and leaders through her unwavering belief in the power of camp to change lives,” Dani Shaw wrote on Facebook.
“She modeled the highest standards of care, character, and connection.”
Katheryn Eads
Katheryn Eads died in the floods, while her husband Brian survived, her family told The Washington Post.
She previously worked at Olive Branch Counseling and Training.
“Katheryn was a hope and a light to all who knew her,” the company’s owner told the Post. “A daughter, a wife, a mother, grandmother, friend and colleague. She was a stellar counselor and professor and she simply just made everything better. Katheryn was changing lives.”
Chloe Childress
Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic, died when the camp was flooded, according to Kinkaid School in Houston, where she had recently graduated.
Jonathan Eades, head of the school, wrote that Childress died while upholding a “selfless and fierce commitment to others.”
“She was wise beyond her years, with a steady compassion that settled a room,” he added.
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