Texas — Authorities have confirmed that they have located the final of the 27 girls who vanished from Camp Mystic during the destructive storm, following weeks of searching.
The young girl was found in a wooded area that had only recently become accessible after the floodwaters receded, about 800 meters from her family’s house. The site had previously been searched, officials said, but in the early phases of the rescue operation, it was challenging to navigate due to the unstable ground and heavy debris.
One of the responding officers stated, “She was lying peacefully.”
“There were no overt indications of difficulty. However, we all fell silent when we saw her face.
A Heartbreaking Moment for Everyone
To protect the privacy of the family, the girl’s identity has not been made public; however, police have confirmed that she was the youngest of the 27 people who went missing. The moment of discovery was characterized as “deeply emotional” by first responders and volunteers who had participated in the search.
One rescuer remarked, “In the last few weeks, we’ve seen so much.”
However, this time was different. The whole town seemed to have stopped breathing.
After verifying her identity, several police officers and emergency personnel at the scene reportedly broke down in tears. In earlier days, many had spoken with the girl’s parents in an attempt to provide closure, but not in this manner.
A Community in Sorrow
Locals started leaving messages, flowers, and candles close to the edge of the forested trail where she was discovered in the hours after the announcement. Neighbors and classmates gathered in silence, some holding hands, others just standing.
A family friend remarked, “She was almost home.”
“Very near. We prayed for a miracle to happen.
In a brief statement, the girl’s family thanked everyone who assisted in the search and urged people to remember the happiness she brought to those around her, but they have requested privacy.
The investigation is still ongoing.
The complete circumstances surrounding the 27 girls’ disappearance, including whether environmental factors, structural negligence, or other causes were involved, are still being looked into by authorities. Forensic teams now have the complete picture to assist in reconstructing the timeline of what actually occurred during the storm thanks to the final discovery.
Detective Lila Moreno declared, “This marks the conclusion of one chapter.”
“However, it’s also the start of comprehension.”
Time is running out for the missing Camp Mystic children as the girls killed in the Texas floods are photographed.
The terrible flash floods in Texas have claimed the lives of at least 70 people, 21 of whom were children. Many of the victims were young girls who were washed away from the Camp Mystic vacation camp.
Sarah Marsh, whose family confirmed she died in the floods, traveled from her home in Alabama to Camp Mystic. The Kerrville Daily Times quoted her grandmother as saying: “I appreciate all of the love and sympathy that has been shown! We will always consider ourselves fortunate to have had this lovely, feisty light in our lives.
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Lila Bonner, 9, and Eloise Peck, 8
Dallas, Texas resident Eloise Peck and her best friend Lili, who also perished in the flood, had recently completed the second grade at Bradfield Elementary.
Her mother, Missy, said of Fox 4: “She died along with her best friend and cabinmate, Lila Bonner. During her eight years with us, Eloise was devotedly loved by her family. In particular, her mother.
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When the fatal floods struck, Lila Bonner and her best friend Eloise Peck were staying in a cabin at Camp Mystic. “We ask for privacy in the midst of our unimaginable grief and are unable to confirm any details at this time,” her family told NBC News. We are incessantly praying for others to be spared from this terrible loss, and we are grieving for everyone who loved her.
Smajstrla Renee, 8
In a Facebook post, little Renee’s family acknowledged that she was one of the victims. Her uncle, Shawn Salta, stated: “This photo from yesterday shows that she was having a great time with her friends, and we are grateful for that.” At Camp Mystic, she will always be having the time of her life.
Janie Hunt, age nine
According to Janie Hunt’s mother, who spoke to local media, the nine-year-old died when floodwaters rushed through Camp Mystic. She said, “We are just devastated,” to NBC 5.
Blair Harber, age 13, and Brooke Harber, age 11
According to her priest, Father Joshua J. Whitfield, Brooke Harber passed away on July 4. “Even though we may never fully comprehend the reasons behind such tragedies, we are called to respond with love, compassion, and prayer,” he said.
While staying at a cabin close to the Guadalupe River with their grandparents, Blair was also killed in the floods. The parents of the girls are safe and have been staying at another cabin.