Republican’s Family Safe After Flood
KERR COUNTY, TEXAS — As deadly floods devastate central Texas, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) confirmed Sunday that while his granddaughters survived the flooding at a Christian summer camp, their young cousin, Janie, tragically lost her life.
“My granddaughters are safe, and I thank God for that,” Carter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But we are heartbroken to report that their cousin Janie did not make it. So many families are grieving today, and they need our prayers more than ever.”
Disaster in the Texas Hill Country
Flash floods swept through the region on Friday night, fueled by a sudden and violent surge of the Guadalupe River. In some areas, waters rose more than 20 feet in less than two hours. The death toll now approaches 70, with Kerr County hit the hardest.
Authorities report at least 38 adults and 21 children have died in the region, with additional fatalities in Travis, Burnet, and Kendall counties. Search and rescue teams are still working tirelessly as dozens remain unaccounted for.
Christian Camp Rocked by Catastrophe
Many of the victims were girls attending Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp located along the river in Hunt, Texas. Founded nearly 100 years ago, Camp Mystic is deeply woven into Texas tradition, often attended by daughters of the state’s political and business leaders.
Eleven campers and at least one counselor are still missing. The floods came in the night, leaving little time for staff to move hundreds of girls to higher ground.
“Camp Mystic isn’t just any camp—it’s a place that has shaped generations of young women,” said a longtime local. “This is a heartbreaking moment for Texas families.”
Notable past attendees include the daughters of former Texas Governors Price Daniel, Dan Moody, and John Connally, as well as Laura Bush, who once served as a camp counselor. Even the granddaughters of President Lyndon B. Johnson spent summers there.
Texas Lawmakers React with Faith and Urgency
Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) also had daughters at Camp Mystic and confirmed on Saturday they were safely reunited.
“Camille, Vivian, and I are now back with Caroline and Juliana,” Pfluger wrote. “But our joy is tempered by grief. So many families are hurting. We mourn with them and continue to pray.”
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), whose district includes some of the most severely impacted communities, shared Carter’s post and offered heartfelt condolences.
“Janie was loved by so many here in Texas,” Roy said. “Our prayers are with her family and every other parent and child affected by this tragedy.”
A Call for Action and Prayer
Rep. Carter ended his message with a call for national support.
“Please join me in praying for the people of Texas. Let’s make sure every resource is available to help find the missing and support the families who’ve lost everything.”
Why This Story Matters
This tragedy strikes at the heart of Texas families, Christian communities, and all Americans who value faith, family, and resilience. As the nation watches and prays, efforts to support survivors and rebuild continue.
