Janie Hunt was one of 27 Camp Mystic girls and staff members confirmed to have died in the flood
The wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has released a heartbreaking statement after losing a family member in the Texas flood.
A devastating flood swept through Kerr County in Texas after water levels in the Guadalupe River rose to breaking point. Late on Sunday (July 6), officials confirmed that 82 people had died as a result of the flood while many more were missing.
With search and rescue efforts still underway, they have since warned that the death toll will continue to rise.
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One of the most heartbreaking situations to come from the unexpected floods is the impact on a Christian summer camp for girls. Camp Mystic, which was set up in 1926, is a camp for girls above the second grade to build their confidence and independence. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that some 750 girls had been staying at the camp when the floodwaters hit.
Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, with multiple fatalities reported (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)
The camp confirmed earlier today (July 7) that 27 girls and staff members had been killed by the flash flood.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” it wrote in a statement on its website.
Officials have said 10 girls and one camp counselor remain missing.
Amongst the Camp Mystic attendees who tragically lost their lives in the disaster was 9-year-old Janie Hunt, a young family member of Kansas City Chiefs owner and CEO Clark Hunt.
Janie’s mother confirmed her death to CNN, saying: “We are just devastated.”
Nine-year-old Jamie Hunt is one of the Camp Mystic attendees who tragically lost her life in the Texas flood (Family handout)
Meanwhile, Tavia Hunt, Clark’s wife, wrote on Instagram: “Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives — including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls. How do we trust a God who is supposed to be good, all knowing and all powerful, but who allows such terrible things to happen — even to children?
“That is a sacred and tender question — and one the Bible doesn’t shy away from. Scripture is filled with the cries of those whose hearts have been shattered, who still wrestle to trust the same God they believe allowed the pain.”
Janie was a young family member of Kansas City Chiefs owner and CEO Clark Hunt (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Other confirmed deaths at the summer camp include Renee Smajstrla, 8, Sarah Marsha, 8, Eloise Peck, 8, and Lila Bonner, 9.
Speaking to NBC News, Lila’s family said: “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 and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”Featured Image Credit: Perry Knotts/Getty Images/OKCM Search & Rescue Team/Facebook
Topics: News, US News, Texas, Texas floods
Bec Oakes
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Updated 07:04 7 Jul 2025 GMT+1Published 09:30 6 Jul 2025 GMT+1
Father dies while trying to save family in Texas floods as fiancée reveals his heartbreaking last words
The father’s family have said he died a hero
Communities in Texas have been devastated as a result of the recent floods, with one family revealing how a father gave his life to save his fiancée and children.
A state of emergency has been declared for counties in Texas after they were hit by flash floods on July 4.
Authorities have said one month’s worth of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours, leading to the Guadalupe River rising to the dangerous level of 26 feet.
They have also added that at this time, at least 50 people have lost their lives, including 15 children.
One of the worst affected areas was Kerr County, and this is where one man gave his life to save his children, fiancée and his mother.
27-year-old Julian Ryan died after losing significant amounts of blood when he punched through a window as his home filled with water.
Julian Ryan is one of the 50 people who has been confirmed to have died as a result of the floods in Texas (KHOU 11)
Ryan’s mother, fiancée Christina Wilson, and the couple’s six-year-old and 13-month-old children all huddled in the bedroom of their trailer home in Ingram as the sudden flooding shocked them awake at 4 am on Friday (July 4).
Smashing the window so that his family reach the roof, it is reported that Ryan cut an artery in his arm, with Christina saying he almost cut his arm ‘clean off’ in the move.
She and her family also praised Julian’s efforts when speaking to the local news, also explaining his final words.
Speaking to KHOU 11, his fiancée said: “By 6 o’clock my husband was dead, he had lost all of his blood. He looked at me and the kids, my mother in law and said ‘sorry I’m not going to make it, I love ya’ll’.”
Julian’s family have praised his final courageous acts (KHOU 11)
She added that she found Julian’s body when the water receded, but it wasn’t recovered for hours.
His mom also said that her son was ‘the hero of this story’.
The family have insisted more needs to be done to help prevent disasters like this, noting that flood sirens could have saved lives.
Col. Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said on Friday: “We brought in over 100 troopers this morning. And they’ve worked all day, rescues, high water vehicles, boats, rescue divers, seven rescue helicopters with hoist
capabilities.”
Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott added: “We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset and person and plane, whatever is needed, is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person and ensure everybody involved in this is going to be fully accounted for.”
After learning about the floods, President Trump spoke to the press, describing the floods as a ‘terrible thing’.
“It looks like some young people have died,” Trump said, adding that his administration would work with Abbott to provide aid and support to the state during this extremely difficult time.Featured Image Credit: KHOU 11/YouTube
Topics: News, Texas, US News, Texas floods
Gerrard Kaonga
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Updated 08:21 7 Jul 2025 GMT+1Published 07:29 7 Jul 2025 GMT+1
Frantic search for survivors in Texas flash flood continues after officials confirm death toll has now risen to 82
The death toll has continued to rise since the floods occurred on July 4
Officials have provided an update on those still missing following the unexpected flash floods in Texas.
Authorities have continued rescue and search efforts in Texas since Friday (July 4) as many were expecting a day of celebration for Independence Day.
While many communities were impacted, Kerr County was one of the areas most severely affected by the devastating natural disaster.
Authorities have said one month’s worth of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours, leading to the Guadalupe River rising to the dangerous level of 26 feet. This led to a state of emergency being declared in several counties.
Late on Sunday (July 6), officials confirmed that the death toll had risen to 82 and many people, including children from a summer camp based just outside of Kerrville, are still missing.
What caused the Texas flash floods?
While Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly has said that the tragedy of this magnitude was unforeseen, due to the heavy rainfall, experts have explained why the Guadalupe River rose so quickly.
The heavy rain caused the Guadalupe River to overflow (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
On Friday, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said: “When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe… there’s a north and a south fork.
“Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you’ll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville.”
He continued: “This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks.
“When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork, and within a matter of minutes it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at Guadalupe.”
What areas have been affected?
While the entirety of the devastation is still not known, a report from CNN confirmed the location of those deceased in an update on Sunday night.
Of the 82 confirmed deceased, 68 were in Kerr County, six in Travis County, three in Burnet County, two in Kendall County, two in Williamson County and one in Tom Green County.
Among those deceased in Kerr County are 40 adults and 28 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha.
Rescue efforts have been continuous since the floods began on July 4 (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)
Camp Mystic missing children
One of the worst situations to come from the unexpected floods is the impact on summer Christian camp Camp Mystic.
The camp, set up in 1926, is for girls above the second grade to build their confidence and independence.
It has been left without WiFi, power and water following the floods.
An estimated 25 children have been feared missing from the camp, with some of them confirmed among the deceased.
Jane Ragsdale, the camp director of Heart O’Hills in Kerr County, is one of those to have tragically lost her life from the floods.
“We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,” a statement from the camp said.
The mother of the missing Camp Mystic member Janie Hunt, nine, has also confirmed to CNN that her daughter had died because of the floods.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing.Featured Image Credit: Eric Vryn/Getty Images
Topics: Texas, News, US News, Texas floods
Gerrard Kaonga
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Updated 16:53 1 Jul 2025 GMT+1Published 16:48 1 Jul 2025 GMT+1
Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart dies aged 90 as family release statement
His passing comes after suffering a heart attack on June 14
Jimmy Swaggart has died at the age of 90, it has been confirmed.
Announcing the news of the 90-year-old’s death, Swaggart Ministries spokesperson Megan Kelly said today (July 1) via his official Facebook page: “Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.”
Rev. Jimmy Swaggart has died aged 90 (Thomas S. England/Getty Images)
The statement went on: “For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
“He was not just a preacher—he was a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God. He was a man whose faith was steadfast and always entered whatever door the Lord opened. And the Lord honored that faith.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email info@grievewell.com.Featured Image Credit: Cindy Karp/Getty
Niamh Shackleton
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Published 11:08 7 Jul 2025 GMT+1
All confirmed fatalities at Texas girls camp after flash floods ravaged through grounds
Officials have said they expect the death toll from the flood to continue to rise
Grieving parents have revealed the identities of children who were among the 27 people to have died at Camp Mystic in the deadly Texas floods.
The Texas flash flood have swept through communities since July 4 and cause massive devastation, killing 82 throughout the state.
While rescue and search efforts remain underway in the new week, authorities are warning that the death toll will continue to rise.
One of the most heartbreaking elements of the surprise flood is that a summer Christian girls camp was massively impacted.
The camp, set up in 1926, is for girls above the second grade to build their confidence and independence.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that some 750 girls had been staying at the camp when the floodwaters hit.
Officials have said 10 girls and one camp counselor remain missing, with parents heartbreakingly confirming the names of the girls who have died in the floods.
Renee Smajstrla, 8
Renee Smajstrla’s family have confirmed her body has been recovered (Family handout)
The family of 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla took to social media to confirm the passing of their daughter.
The child’s uncle Shawn Salta wrote on Facebook that he was thankful for the efforts to find Renee.
He said: “Thank you to all our friends and family for all the prayers and outreach. 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.
“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. Please continue to pray for the other families in Kerrville.”
Sarah Marsh, 8
Sarah Marsh’s family have thanked people for their love and support (Family handout)
Sarah’s family have said she died after the waters swept through the camp.
Her grandmother spoke to Kerrville Daily Times and said the sweet child will live in their hearts.
She said: “Thank you for the outpouring of love and sympathy! We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever! We love you so much sweet Sarah.”
Eloise Peck, 8 and Lila Bonner, 9
Lila Bonner (left) and Eliose Peck (Family handout)
The family of Eloise confirmed over the weekend that she had been found dead.
The family released a statement in part saying: “It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Eloise Peck has been found and is now an angel.
“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. Eloise had a family who loved her fiercely for the 8 years she was with us. Especially her Mommy.”
Speaking to NBC News, Lila’s family also confirmed that she was found, but said they would like privacy and won’t be giving additional details.
The family said: “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 and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”
Janie Hunt, 9
Janie Hunt’s mother has confirmed her daughter has died as a result of the flood (Family handout)
The mother of Dallas victim Janie Hunt confirmed that her daughter was also among the girls who had died in the flooding, adding: “We are just devastated.”
Her grandmother Margaret said that six of Janie’s cousins also attended the camp with her, but they are thankfully safe.Featured Image Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: News, US News, Texas floods, Weather
