North Texas girls confirmed dead after Camp Mystic flooding in Central Texas
Six North Texas girls missing from Camp Mystic in the wake of catastrophic Central Texas flooding have been confirmed dead, their families confirmed.
Lila Bonner, 9, of Dallas, was among more than two dozen girls from the camp who had been unaccounted for following the flash floods that swept through Kerr County early Friday.
During a news conference on Monday, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at least 10 Camp Mystic campers were missing, along with one counselor. The camp confirmed that at least 27 campers and counselors died.
North Texas girls at Camp Mystic
One of the deceased Camp Mystic girls is Hadley Hanna, 8, from Dallas.
Other Camp Mystic girls from North Texas included Eloise Peck, 8, and Lila Bonner, 9, from Dallas, who were both confirmed dead over the weekend.
Monday, John and Lacy Lawrence confirmed their twin daughters, 8-year-old Hanna and Rebecca, died in the flooding at Camp Mystic. John Lawrence said the girls just finished 2nd grade at University Park Elementary School.
"Hanna and Rebecca brought so much joy to us, to their big sister Harper, and to so many others," John Lawrence wrote in a statement to CBS News Texas. "We will find ways to keep that joy, and to continue to spread it for them. But we are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared with each other, is now frozen in time. Thank you for the love and support."
According to the camp's website, children become eligible to attend Camp Mystic, located in Hunt, Texas, along the Guadalupe River, after completing the second grade.
Large-scale response underway
In response, authorities have launched a large-scale search effort, deploying helicopters, Texas game wardens, and specialized rescue teams. Several children have already been rescued from trees and other stranded locations.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has publicly reassured families, stating that the state is doing "everything humanly possible" to locate and bring the campers to safety.
"I want all of you to know, we will do everything humanly possible 24/7 — looking at every tree, overturning every rock, whatever it takes — if your child is one of those truly missing and not just out of touch, to find your daughter," Patrick said.
Families turn to social media
Meanwhile, families of the missing girls have turned to social media, sharing photos and heartfelt messages in hopes of gathering any information. Their posts reflect both the urgency and emotional toll of the situation.
CBS News Texas is closely monitoring developments and remains committed to providing timely, accurate updates as new information emerges from both authorities and the families themselves.
