What We Know About the Devastating Texas Flood – Death Toll, Victims' Last Messages, Missing People, & More

• The Texas flood death toll in each county continues to rise as reports keep providing updates on the latest figures.
• The last 3-worded text message a young girl sent to her loved one before her and her sister's lives were claimed by the Texas flood.
• Camp Mystic's director Dick Eastland's heroic final act unveiled.
• Missing teacher Jeff Wilson's truck offered new details amid family loss.
• 21-year-old woman previously listed as missing found dead after devastating Texas flood — what she said during a phone call before she passed.
• The haunting final photo of the little girls from Camp Mystic's Bubble Inn has been released.

This week's digest unpacks the devastating impacts of the Texas flood. In the aftermath, grief lingers in the stories surfacing from the waters. From the final text of a young girl, who, along with her sister, lost her life, and a camp director's brave sacrifice, to the haunting final photo taken of Camp Mystic's little girls and a young woman's last phone call, each account paints a heartbreaking portrait of lives forever changed.

1.

What Happened on the Day of the Devastating Flood?

Search and rescue operations continue across Texas after record flooding claimed at least 51 lives. Officials say dozens remain unaccounted for, with hopes fading as crews comb through debris and submerged areas.

In Kerr County, authorities confirmed 43 fatalities, including 15 children. Many of the victims were at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, when floodwaters tore through the site. Twenty-seven children are still missing.

Other counties have also reported casualties. Travis County confirmed four deaths. Kendall and Tom Green counties each reported one. In Burnet County, two more deaths were announced late Saturday, pushing the statewide toll to 51.

Emergency teams warn the toll may climb as recovery efforts continue. Multiple people remain missing across the region.

Initial reports on Friday placed the death toll at 24, with dozens missing after torrential rains triggered catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River. Kerr County bore the brunt of the disaster, as rivers surged and swept through low-lying areas.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that the Guadalupe River flooding alone accounted for 24 deaths. Many of the victims were children staying at summer camps in the region. Camp Mystic, one of the hardest-hit locations, remains a focal point of ongoing rescue efforts.

"We are not going to give any names at this time," Sheriff Leitha said during a Friday night press conference. "We will be working around the clock 24/7 until everyone is found."

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said that as of Friday afternoon, about 23 children from Camp Mystic were still unaccounted for. By nightfall, officials were unable to confirm an updated number of people missing. Emergency crews are continuing their search, navigating treacherous floodwaters and unstable terrain.

Texas Game Wardens confirmed on July 5, 2025, that rescue teams had reached Camp Mystic. In a social media post, the agency shared images of the scene along with a message.

The aforementioned death toll and number of people missing are figures that were recorded from the day of the flood. Currently, the confirmed death toll has climbed to at least 111, with 172 individuals — at the minimum — still unaccounted for. The most recent death was reported in Williamson County, bringing its total fatalities to three after a previously missing person was located.

County-by-county figures show Kerr County as the hardest hit, reporting 87 deaths and six missing. Travis County follows with seven fatalities and ten still missing.

Other affected areas include Kendall (eight deaths), Burnet (five deaths, one missing), Williamson (three deaths, one missing), and Tom Green (one death). Authorities are continuing recovery efforts as updates emerge.

2.

What Was the Last Message from Brooke Before She and Her Sister, Blair, Passed Away?

A family in North Texas is facing a devastating loss after sisters Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, died in the Hill Country flooding. Adding an extra layer of grief to the story is the fact that the late young girls' grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, are still missing following the flash floods in central Texas that have claimed the lives of more than 80 people.

The heartbreak for the Harber family deepened when the bodies of young Blair and Brooke — identified by their parents, R.J. and Annie Harber — were discovered 15 miles from where the floodwaters had swept them away. The search for the girls ended tragically on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Kerrville, nearly 12 hours after the catastrophic flooding ensued.

Their aunt, Jennifer Harber, shared the heart-wrenching detail that when the sisters were found, their hands were locked together, a silent testament to the unbreakable bond they shared, even in their final moments.

In the wake of unimaginable loss, friends of the Harber family launched a GoFundMe campaign to ease the heavy burden left behind by the tragedy — emotionally, logistically, and financially. Organized by six family friends, the fundraiser has already exceeded its $275,000 goal, as total donations now stand at over $300,000.

In her emotional message on the GoFundMe page, Jennifer provided more context for the day that changed everything. She revealed that the girls had been tucked into bed around 11 p.m. in a neighbor's riverfront home. The neighbor had generously offered to house the family since Mike and Charlene's residence nearby was too small to accommodate everyone.

Blair and Brooke were upstairs in the loft, while their grandparents stayed in the guest room below. When the storm struck, the deafening rain masked the sound of rising floodwaters. R.J. and Annie woke up just in time. Had they not, Jennifer believes they may have drowned too.

Adding another layer of sorrow to the ordeal, Brooke had sent a text message saying "I love you" to her dad and maternal grandparents at 3:30 a.m. She and her big sister, both deeply spiritual, had their rosaries with them and frequently talked about their faith. Blair had even spoken with Jennifer about heaven just two weeks prior.

The fundraiser also confirmed funeral plans: Blair and Brooke will have a joint service at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas. Their return home from San Antonio will be arranged through Southwest Airlines, where their aunt, Jennifer, works as a flight attendant.

3.

Why Did Camp Mystic Director Richard Eastland Stay Behind Despite the Flood?

Richard "Dick" Eastland, a Texas summer camp leader who died during deadly flash floods that reportedly began in early July 2025, is being remembered for his final act of courage as communities continue to search for missing children and recover from a disaster that devastated multiple counties.

The tragedy unfolded on Friday, July 4, with over 700 children attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.

As reported by The Washington Post, Richard, 74, co-owner and longtime leader of Camp Mystic, reportedly attempted to evacuate the youngest campers from the Bubble Inn cabin when floodwaters overtook the grounds.

He was later found in a black SUV along with three girls he had tried to rescue. Authorities said he died en route to the hospital.

His death was confirmed by his nephew and widely acknowledged in a Facebook post by journalist Kaitlyn Ross, who described him as a father figure to generations of girls. She noted that his final act reflected the dedication and compassion he showed throughout his life.

As the community mourned his loss, search and rescue efforts continued at Camp Mystic. City officials reportedly said on Saturday, July 5, that 27 girls from the camp were still missing. Meanwhile, Richard's wife, Tweety Eastland, who co-managed the camp, was later found safe at their home.

Richard and Tweety began leading Camp Mystic in 1974, continuing a family legacy as the third generation to oversee the private Christian camp, which opened in 1939. According to the camp's website, they worked alongside their children and grandchildren to help girls build confidence, faith, and character.

Recalling the events that led to the destruction of Camp Mystic, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the camp hosted several hundred children at the time. Most reached higher ground, where they waited for rescue without electricity. However, dozens remained unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said the exact number of missing campers was still being determined. "The problem was, it was a holiday weekend here," he said, referring to the Fourth of July celebration. "We had a lot of campers, and we do not know that number at this time."

4.

What Details Emerged After the Truck of the Missing Teacher, Jeff Wilson, Was Found?

Over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025, the Wilson family from Kingwood, Texas, went missing during a flash flood along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville. The disaster has claimed many lives and drawn attention across the state, with the Wilsons' case among the most heartbreaking, as one family member has been confirmed dead and two are still missing.

Amber and Jeff Wilson and their 12-year-old son, Shiloh Wilson, had traveled to Kerrville to attend a youth rodeo at the Youth Expo Center and camp overnight nearby.

Sadly, on July 4, Amber's brother, John Dustin Ledford, posted on Facebook pleading for help in locating the family. He stated they had not been heard from and included a picture of the trio and their truck camper setup, although he wasn't sure which RV park they were going to use.

The urgency of the post quickly gained traction across social media, as friends and strangers shared it in hopes of finding the missing family.

By the following day, a grim update was shared. First, John thanked everyone who had shared his original post and prayed for his family.

Then, he confirmed that Jeff's body had been found and identified via a photograph, but the official forensic identification of the body was still pending at the time.

Unfortunately, Amber and Shiloh remained unaccounted for, so John requested continued prayers. Their truck had been located in floodwaters, though the camper was no longer attached.

On July 6, John continued to share updates, explaining that he had submitted a DNA sample to assist authorities with potential identifications.

He also said that their information was on every single database and asked the public to refrain from submitting additional forms to agencies, as it might disrupt ongoing efforts.

"If you see a social media post about my family that isn't on my page [sic] it may not be accurate," he wrote, adding that anyone with information about Amber and Shiloh should contact him directly.

As of July 7, search teams were still working along the river near the area where some of Shiloh's gear had been found, approximately 13 miles downstream from where the family was last seen, according to John.

He also said he would share details once a proper system for donations is in place, as he wants to ensure all funds are handled responsibly.

Finally, he addressed the growing volume of private messages and asked for patience while he responded to each one. John further explained that while the support was deeply appreciated, the family was proceeding cautiously due to scammers and aggressive media inquiries in his inbox.

This tragedy has rippled through the Kingwood and Humble communities. Jeff was a respected educator in the Humble Independent School District, where he taught at Kingwood Park High School. His death has devastated students, colleagues, and other townspeople.

On July 6, the district hosted a prayer vigil in Kingwood's Town Center Park, with the turnout reflecting the depth of Jeff's impact. The Humble Independent School District posted a picture of it on their Facebook.

5.

What Did Missing Woman Joyce Badon, 21, Say on the Phone Before Contact Was Lost?

Joyce Catherine Badon, the 21-year-old Texas woman who went missing during a flash flood in Hunt over the Fourth of July weekend, has been found dead, her grieving family has confirmed.

Her body was recovered and identified following an intensive, days-long search. Her father, Ty Badon, confirmed the news to NBC News. Her mother, Kelleye Badon, also confirmed the tragic loss in an emotional post, expressing deep gratitude for the support they received and saying they hope to find her other friends, Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca, and Aidan Heartfield.

Before Joyce was found, her mother had shared the terrifying details of what unfolded early Saturday morning. She said Joyce had traveled to Hunt to celebrate the holiday with friends and was staying in a house on a hill near the river. Around 4 a.m., a sudden flash flood swept through the area, washing away their vehicles and trapping them before they could reach the attic.

According to Kelleye, Aidan — the son of the property owner — called his father, Thad Heartfield, during the flooding. Aidan, Joyce, and the other two were swept away by debris shortly after. Joyce was the last person Thad spoke to before the line went dead.

As the search continued in the days following their disappearance, Ella's sister, Mackenzie Hodulik, turned to social media for help. She pleaded for assistance, saying her little sister, her sister's boyfriend Aidan, and their two friends were missing and had last made contact around 4 a.m. near SH-39.

In an interview with CNN, Ty recalled those devastating final moments. He reiterated that Joyce was on the phone with Thad as the floodwaters surged through the cabin. He said her last words were, "They just got washed away," before the call abruptly dropped.

Just moments before the line went dead, Aidan was also heard saying, "I've gotta go. I gotta help Ella and Reese." Soon after, all four friends were swept away in the chaos of the flood. Family members later identified the missing group as Joyce, Aidan, Ella, and Reese.

They were last seen near 1739 State Highway 39, across from Japonica Hills Road, as they attempted to escape the rising waters and reach higher ground. In a heartbreaking update, Mackenzie later confirmed that Joyce and Reese were deceased, while Ella and Aidan were still unaccounted for.

Amid the grief, Kelleye shared a message of spiritual comfort, saying she felt her daughter was speaking to them from heaven, letting them know that all was well with her.

Joyce is remembered as a radiant, compassionate young woman who touched the lives of many. Though her life was cut tragically short, her spirit and memory live on in those who loved her and in the countless others who joined her family in hoping for her safe return.

6.

Heartbreaking Final Photo of the Young Girls and Two Counselors from Camp Mystic's Bubble Inn

Media outlets recently released a post showing 13 Camp Mystic girls and two counselors, who were swept away by the Texas flash floods. Aside from the photo of the victims, the post displays the devastating impact of the flooding in Hunt, Texas, over the holiday weekend. This has left the public heartbroken.

The social media post captures a moment frozen in time — one that now feels unbearably heavy with sorrow. In the photo, the Camp Mystic girls and counselors stand together on a tennis court, smiling brightly in white outfits and sneakers. The young girls in the front row crouch down slightly with their hands placed on their knees.

At the same time, the young ladies in the back row have their arms wrapped around each other in a show of carefree unity — a final, joyful memory preserved before disaster struck.

The image was taken at the Bubble Inn, less than five days before the floods changed everything. Heartbreakingly, the post has also drawn attention to those still unaccounted for. Among those labeled "Missing" in the image are Molly DeWitt of Houston, Abby Pohl of Austin, Ellen Gorten of Houston, and Camp Counselor Katherine Ferruzzo.

Underneath the poignant image is a photo showing a damaged room at Camp Mystic with mud covering the floor, walls, and chairs, which are strewn around the space.

The emotional weight of the picture struck a deep chord with viewers across social media, prompting an outpouring of heartbreak, disbelief, and sympathy. "My god! So unreal! 🙏💔," one person exclaimed.

Another echoed the sentiment, noting how the Camp Mystic tragedy has to be among the most sorrowful moments to emerge from the impact of the floods. Someone else simply wrote, "Unimaginable grief 💔."

Others offered condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. "This is just so incredibly sad. All of those poor kids and their families. My heart breaks for them all. May the ones who passed rest in peace," read one heartfelt comment.

Another shared, "This is truly one of the most horrific stories that will be in our lifetime. Pray for these poor [sic] beautiful souls and their families." "RIP beautiful girls life cut to short to soon very sad. There are no words to express to family and friends [sic]," added a fellow heartbroken person.

Someone else penned, "Heartbreaking 💔." Expressing frustration and sorrow, one person wrote, "So sad! 😞 This should not have happened!!!" while another opined, "It's the saddest thing….. god [sic] bless all those little angels."

From final phone calls to silent goodbyes frozen in photos, each story from the Texas flood reveals the raw, human cost of nature's fury. As families mourn, and haunting memories emerge from the wreckage, what remains is a collective grief — and a reminder of just how quickly everything can change.