Tragedy in Central Texas: Remembering the Lives Lost in the Historic Flash Floods
Over the holiday weekend, central Texas was devastated by unprecedented flash floods that claimed the lives of at least 120 people, turning a time of celebration into a moment of deep mourning across the region. Rivers burst from their banks, communities were swept away, and rescue crews battled dangerous conditions to reach those stranded. Among the victims were young campers at the beloved Camp Mystic and a heroic father who gave his life to save his family. As the waters recede, we pause to remember the souls taken too soon.
Camp Mystic: A Place of Joy Turned Tragic
Nestled along the Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, has long been a haven of summer joy, where generations of children forged friendships, learned life skills, and found a second home beneath the Hill Country skies. This year’s summer session had just begun when the floods hit with terrifying speed.
Dozens of campers, some as young as eight, were asleep in their cabins when the torrential waters surged overnight. Despite the heroic efforts of camp counselors and staff, several cabins were inundated before full evacuations could be completed. Among those lost were:
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Lila Armstrong, 11, of Dallas, a spirited young girl known for her love of horseback riding and her contagious laughter. Her family said she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and was on her third summer at Camp Mystic.
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Sophia “Sophie” Ramirez, 9, from San Antonio, was attending camp for the first time. Shy at first, she had just begun to shine, especially during group sing-alongs and art activities. Her counselors described her as “a gentle soul who gave the warmest hugs.”
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Ella and Caroline James, 13 and 10, sisters from Austin, were sharing a cabin and clinging to each other in their final moments, according to survivors. They had made beaded bracelets together earlier that day and loved writing letters home to their parents.
Dozens of other young campers were rescued from trees, rooftops, and floating debris thanks to quick-thinking staff and emergency responders. The camp community, now shattered, is rallying to support the families with vigils, prayer circles, and grief counseling.
A Father’s Last Act of Heroism
One of the most heart-wrenching stories to emerge is that of Michael “Mike” Daniels, 42, of New Braunfels. A devoted husband and father of three, Mike was on a weekend camping trip with his family when their SUV was swept off a flooded back road near Wimberley.
As the vehicle filled with water, Mike acted quickly, breaking a window and helping his wife and two young sons, ages 6 and 9, out onto the roof. When his youngest slipped into the fast-moving current, Mike dove in without hesitation. He managed to push the child back toward safety—but was pulled under and never resurfaced.
Mike’s body was recovered two miles downstream the following morning. Friends and family remember him as a man of deep faith, a Little League coach, and a carpenter who always put others first. His final moments were a reflection of his life: selfless, courageous, and driven by love.
Other Victims and Stories of Loss
The list of those lost spans across generations, backgrounds, and communities:
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Janet and Harold McGee, both in their 70s, were long-time residents of Llano County. The retired couple was well known for hosting barbecues and volunteering at the local food pantry. They were found near their home, holding hands.
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Tyrell Watson, 24, was a University of Texas student and aspiring environmental scientist who had gone hiking with friends. A strong swimmer, he reportedly helped three others to safety before vanishing in the floodwaters.
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Pamela “Pam” Nguyen, 58, a nurse at a San Marcos hospital, was returning from a late shift when her car was overtaken. Colleagues described her as “a light in the darkest hours,” known for staying late to comfort patients without family.
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Isaiah Thomas, 7, of Temple, TX, drowned while playing in what his family thought was a shallow creek. His grandmother had only turned her back for a moment. He loved dinosaurs and dreamed of being a “dino doctor.”
A State in Mourning
Texas Governor issued a state of emergency across more than a dozen counties, calling the floods “among the deadliest natural disasters our state has faced in recent memory.” Rescue and recovery operations are still underway, with helicopters scanning submerged areas and boats combing neighborhoods now buried under mud and debris.
Communities have opened emergency shelters, organized donation drives, and launched GoFundMe campaigns to assist grieving families. Churches, schools, and local businesses are coming together in a shared effort to comfort and rebuild.
A Call for Remembrance and Action
As stories of loss continue to emerge, so too do tales of bravery, compassion, and resilience. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions around flood preparedness, infrastructure, and climate resilience. But for now, central Texas is focused on mourning, honoring, and supporting the loved ones left behind.
The names listed here represent only a fraction of the heartbreak. Behind every one of the 120 lives lost is a family, a story, and a legacy. As the waters subside and the cleanup begins, may we hold space for their memory and extend compassion to those navigating this immense grief.
They are not just numbers. They were loved, and they will be missed.
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