HILL COUNTRY, TX — In the early hours of July 4, 2025, a young girl’s incredible fight for survival unfolded amid catastrophic flooding in Texas’s Hill Country. Swept more than 12 miles down the violent Guadalupe River, she navigated a treacherous journey through debris, overturned vehicles, and even refrigerators before finding refuge clinging to a tree branch. Her rescue by helicopter in Comfort, Texas, after hours battling the floodwaters, has been hailed as nothing short of a miracle by local residents.
The girl, whose identity remains undisclosed, was part of a group at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp near Kerrville, which was among the hardest-hit areas by the sudden flooding. The storm unleashed up to 12 inches of rain in just a few hours, causing the Guadalupe River to surge from 7.5 feet to nearly 30 feet between 1 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., catching campers and residents completely off guard.
She recounted to rescuers how her father desperately tried to hold onto her and other family members as the swift current swept through, but the force was too strong, separating her from them. Carried downstream through five dams and a chaotic jumble of debris, she fought tirelessly to stay afloat until she reached a tree, where she clung to life until rescue teams arrived.
The devastating floods have claimed at least 24 lives, with dozens more reported missing, including campers from Camp Mystic. Rescue operations involving more than 500 personnel, along with helicopters and drones, have saved hundreds of lives, but the community continues to grapple with immense loss. Among those confirmed dead is nine-year-old Renee Smajstrla, a camper whose family shared their grief online. Also mourned is Jane Ragsdale, co-owner of nearby Heart O’ the Hills camp, a beloved community leader.
Officials described the flood as unprecedented in scale, surpassing even the catastrophic 1987 flood. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted the lack of evacuation was due to the flood’s rapid onset, which far exceeded forecasts. The region, known as “flash flood alley” due to its rocky terrain and poor soil drainage, lacked sufficient warning systems.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency, mobilizing the National Guard and federal resources to aid the response. President Donald Trump expressed shock at the disaster and pledged full federal support.
As families continue to search for missing loved ones and the community begins healing, the story of this young survivor stands as a powerful testament to human resilience and hope amid tragedy. The flood has left an indelible mark on Texas Hill Country, but the spirit of its people shines through the darkest hours.