9-Year-Old Renee Smajstrla Confirmed Dead Amid Texas Floods, Camp Mystic Director Also Perishes as Toll Reaches 24

KERR COUNTY, Texas – Renee Smajstrla, a 9-year-old camper missing from Camp Mystic, has been confirmed deceased following devastating flash floods that swept through Central Texas. Her family announced the heartbreaking news, bringing the total death toll in Kerr County from the severe weather event to 24. Rescue teams continue their urgent search efforts for other individuals still unaccounted for. The confirmation of Renee Smajstrla's death comes after she was among 23 to 25 girls initially unaccounted for when flash floods struck the Christian summer camp. As stated in a social media update by Mario Nawfal, "The family of Renee Smajstrla confirmed devastating news that she has been found deceased after going missing from Camp Mystic during Texas floods." The Guadalupe River, which runs near the camp, experienced a rapid and unprecedented rise of 20 to 30 feet in a short period, overwhelming the area. Officials in Texas faced an "impossible decision" between ordering evacuations that could sweep vehicles away or having residents shelter in place, according to the social media post. The region, known as "flash flood alley," is particularly susceptible to such rapid water surges due to its geological features. The suddenness and intensity of the rainfall caught many by surprise, leading to widespread devastation. Adding to the tragedy, Dick Eastland, the long-serving director of Camp Mystic, also reportedly died while attempting to save campers during the flood. Eastland, who had been involved with the private Christian camp since 1974, was hailed as a hero for his valiant efforts. His passing underscores the profound impact the disaster has had on the Camp Mystic community, which was established in 1926 and serves hundreds of girls annually. Renee's family expressed gratitude for the public's support, stating via Facebook that "while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly." Search and rescue operations are ongoing across Kerr County as authorities work to locate any remaining missing persons and assess the full extent of the damage caused by the catastrophic flooding.