‘Texas is grieving’: Flood death toll climbs to 95 as search continues for missing campers

KERRVILLE, Texas (CN) — The death toll from catastrophic flooding across Texas has risen to 95, officials confirmed Monday, as search crews continue scouring devastated areas for missing people.

“Texas is grieving,” Texas Senator Ted Cruz said at a Monday morning news conference. “The pain and shock of what has transpired these last few days has broken the heart of our state.”

Among the dead are 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls’ camp along the banks of the Guadalupe River, where floodwaters swept through in the pre-dawn hours of Friday — Independence Day — with little warning. The camp confirmed the deaths in a statement Monday, calling the tragedy “unimaginable,” while local officials said that 10 campers and one counselor remain missing.

“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” Camp Mystic said. “We are praying for them constantly.”

Texas officials said Monday morning the toll from flooding in Kerr County, about 70 miles northwest of San Antonio, stands at 75 — including 48 adults and 27 children. Fourteen more deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at least 15 adults and nine children have yet to be identified.

“I need to tell my community, those families that are waiting, this is going to be a rough week,” Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said Monday. “The primary search continues, and we remain hopeful.”

Cruz, who has personal ties to the area, spoke emotionally Monday about the crisis at Camp Mystic.

“That’s every parent’s nightmare, every mom and dad,” Cruz said. “Our girls have gone to camp here for a decade. The Hill Country is an incredible part of Texas, part of the country. The natural beauty here is incredible. The camps that have raised generations of little girls and little boys and instilled character and love and faith are extraordinary institutions.”

He added: “The pain and agony of not knowing your child’s whereabouts — it’s the worst thing imaginable.” Despite the heartbreak, the Republican senator said he’s been moved by the courage of Texans coming together.

“It is simultaneously inspiring,” he said. “Every time there’s a tragedy, every time there’s a natural disaster in Texas, Texans come together.” Cruz noted that 850 high-water rescues have been conducted since the start of the flood.

Floodwaters rose with stunning speed early Friday morning, as the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes following torrential downpours upstream. Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that additional heavy rain could worsen the disaster this week, especially in already saturated areas.

Camp Mystic has deep roots in Texas politics. Former First Lady Laura Bush once served as a counselor at the storied summer camp, which has hosted generations of the state’s most prominent families since its founding in 1926.

Kerrville officials said recovery efforts are complicated by treacherous conditions, with search teams using boats, drones and dogs to locate the missing. Volunteers have been urged to stay away unless registered with official relief agencies to avoid hindering rescue operations.

“We need your prayers,” Herring, Kerrville’s mayor, said.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump told reporters Sunday that he would most likely visit the flood area on Friday.

“I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” he added.

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