Eminem and His Family Are Mourning the Loss of His 9-Year-Old Cousin, Janie Betts, Who Died During Devastating Floods at a Texas Summer Camp
Over the weekend, tragedy struck the family of world-renowned rapper Eminem as his 9-year-old cousin, Janie Betts, was confirmed among the victims of the catastrophic flash floods that swept through Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls in Hunt, Texas. The disaster, caused by sudden and extreme rainfall, overwhelmed the Guadalupe River and engulfed the campgrounds within a matter of hours, leaving devastation in its wake.
A Sudden and Deadly Deluge
On the morning of July 3rd, the region experienced record-breaking rainfall that caused the river to rise more than 20 feet in less than 90 minutes. The campers, many of them between the ages of 7 and 12, were asleep when staff began the frantic process of evacuation. Despite the efforts of counselors and local emergency crews, dozens of cabins were swept away. Rescue teams later confirmed that at least 32 people had died, including 14 children. Janie Betts was among them.
According to local officials, Janie had arrived at Camp Mystic just a week prior and was excited to spend the summer among friends. Her mother, a close cousin of Eminem, said in a tearful statement, “She was our light, our laughter, and now our heartbreak. She died surrounded by the chaos of something no child should ever experience.”
The Rapper’s Personal Grief
Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, has not made a public statement, but sources close to the family say he is “completely shattered” by the loss. Those familiar with the rapper know that despite his public persona, Eminem is a deeply devoted family man. The news has shaken his inner circle, and he has reportedly postponed all scheduled appearances and studio work to grieve privately with his loved ones.
“He’s mourning not just a relative, but a child he adored,” said a close friend. “Janie was special to him. Her energy, her joy — he saw so much of his own daughter in her.”
Camp Mystic Tragedy
Camp Mystic, where the flood struck, has operated for nearly 100 years and was considered one of the most trusted and well-loved camps in the state. This summer, over 700 girls were registered. The flooding came so suddenly that even the most seasoned camp staff were caught off guard. Jane Ragsdale, the director of a neighboring camp who ran to help the girls escape, was also among the dead.
Survivors describe scenes of chaos and terror. One counselor reported grabbing as many children as she could and wading chest-deep through rushing waters to reach higher ground. Others were not so lucky. Some girls were found clinging to trees and floating debris hours later, while search crews with helicopters and trained dogs scoured the area for survivors.
A Nation Responds
The U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and local first responders have been working nonstop to locate missing children and provide relief to devastated families. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency in 15 counties, and President Biden issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging federal support.
Thousands of Americans have taken to social media to express their grief and support, many using the hashtag #JusticeForJanie and #CampMysticFlood. Community centers and churches across Texas are organizing donation drives and memorials for the victims.
Hope in Mourning
Though the pain remains raw, the tragedy has brought communities together in profound ways. A candlelight vigil held in Detroit, Eminem’s hometown, drew thousands of supporters who held up photos of Janie and the other children lost in the flood.
In the words of one mourner: “These were children with whole lives ahead of them. Janie’s story will not be forgotten — not by her family, not by Eminem, not by any of us.”
