""That's when I really realized that this was a massive tragedy," said Villasana, who is based in Houston. Before dawn on Independence Day, fast-rising floodwaters tore through parts of Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, set to mark its 100th anniversary in 2026. Many of the campers were still asleep when the water surged in. Villasana left immediately on assignment, driving from South Texas to Kerr County to document what she could."
""Hearing about Camp Mystic and the number of campers who were either missing at the time, or already confirmed dead, was just like a gut punch - especially as a mom," Villasana said. "I went to summer camp myself. My sisters went to summer camp. It's very much a part of the fabric of culture here in Texas and, of course, the United States. And so it just really felt super personal and intense on that level.""
During Independence Day weekend, fast-rising floodwaters tore through Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas. The surge struck before dawn while many campers were asleep. The death toll reached 28, including 25 campers, two counselors and the camp owner, and 911 calls later reflected callers' desperation. Families remain overcome with grief and are seeking answers and accountability, and the site has become a legal battleground with allegations of negligence. The event drew intense attention because the majority of victims were children and because camp culture is deeply rooted in the region.
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