“We’re Being Washed Away”: Texas Flash Floods Leave Over 100 Dead in Catastrophic July 4th Tragedy

Devastating Flash Floods Hit Central Texas

At least 104 people have died and dozens remain missing after catastrophic flash floods tore through central Texas on July 4th, turning a holiday into a nightmare. Torrential storms caused the Guadalupe River to rise more than 26 feet in just 45 minutes, catching residents and campers completely off guard.

Camp Mystic Among Hardest-Hit

One of the worst-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp in Kerr County, where 27 campers and counselors lost their lives, and 11 remain unaccounted for. Survivors described scenes of panic and destruction—cabins collapsing under the force of rushing water, campers clinging to debris, and helicopters overhead frantically working to rescue those trapped.

A Final Text Message

Among the victims was 21-year-old Joyce Catherine Badon, who sent a chilling final message to her parents before contact was lost:

“We’re being washed away.”

Her body was discovered days later, becoming one of the many young lives lost in this unprecedented natural disaster.

County-by-County Breakdown of Fatalities

The flood impacted multiple counties, but Kerr County bore the brunt of the disaster:

Kerr County – 84 deaths
Travis County – 7 deaths
Kendall County – 6 deaths
Burnet County – 4 deaths
Williamson County – 2 deaths
Tom Green County – 1 death

Local authorities warn that the numbers may rise as search teams continue their work in affected areas.

Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations

In response to the disaster, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency, mobilizing search and rescue teams equipped with drones, search dogs, and helicopters. Emergency crews are battling tough terrain and receding floodwaters as they work tirelessly to locate the missing and provide aid to survivors.

A Nation in Mourning

The July 4th flash floods are being described as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history. Grieving families, local communities, and the nation as a whole are left mourning the immense loss of life—many of them children and young adults enjoying summer camp.

As investigations continue and recovery efforts press on, questions are already being raised about early warning systems, infrastructure resilience, and the broader impacts of climate-driven extreme weather.

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