Hunt, Texas — In a heart-stopping turn of events, three young girls, missing for nearly ten days after catastrophic flooding devastated Camp Mystic, a historic all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, were found alive inside a hollow tree less than a mile from the camp. The discovery, hailed as a miracle by the local community, has sparked waves of relief, awe, and gratitude across Texas and beyond. The girls, aged 8 and 9, survived the ordeal using two ingenious survival techniques, and their story has captivated the nation, prompting an unexpected response from country music star Carrie Underwood.
The saga began on July 4, 2025, when torrential rains triggered flash floods that swept through Central Texas, claiming at least 106 lives in Kerr County alone, including 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic. The Guadalupe River, which runs alongside the nearly century-old camp, surged over 20 feet in under two hours, transforming the idyllic retreat into a scene of chaos. Cabins were torn from their foundations, trees were uprooted, and personal belongings were scattered for miles. Among the missing were Hadley Hanna, Eloise Peck, both 8, and Lila Bonner, 9, all from Dallas, who were feared lost in the deluge.
Rescue operations, involving helicopters, K-9 units, and over 400 first responders, scoured the ravaged landscape for survivors. Early reports fueled false hope when a volunteer claimed two girls were found alive in a tree near Comfort, Texas, but authorities quickly debunked the rumor. By July 12, the mission had shifted to recovery, with no survivors found since the initial days of the flood. Families, including those of the missing girls, clung to dwindling hope as the death toll climbed and debris piled along the riverbanks.
Then, on July 14, a breakthrough stunned rescuers. A local hiker, navigating the flood-ravaged area near Camp Mystic, heard faint cries emanating from a large, hollow oak tree less than a mile from the camp’s main grounds. Inside, he found Hadley, Eloise, and Lila, dehydrated and weak but remarkably alert. The girls had sought refuge in the tree’s cavernous interior during the flood, narrowly escaping the raging waters that swept away their peers. Their survival for nearly ten days in the face of hunger, cold, and fear is nothing short of extraordinary.
Authorities revealed that the girls employed two critical survival tactics. First, they rationed a small stash of granola bars and bottled water they had carried from the camp, stretching the supplies over several days. Second, they collected rainwater in a makeshift container fashioned from a plastic bag they found caught in the tree, ensuring a minimal but vital source of hydration. These resourceful measures, combined with their resilience, kept them alive until their discovery. “These girls showed incredible courage and quick thinking,” said Kerr County Sheriff John Martinez at a press conference. “Their survival is a testament to the human spirit.”
The news spread rapidly across social media, with hashtags like #CampMysticMiracle and #TexasSurvivors trending on X. Community members gathered in Kerrville for a vigil, tying pink and green ribbons on trees in honor of the girls and those lost in the tragedy. The emotional outpouring was palpable, with one X user posting, “Three little angels found alive after all this heartbreak. God is good.” The story resonated deeply, offering a glimmer of hope amid the grief that has gripped the region.
In an unexpected twist, country music superstar Carrie Underwood, a longtime supporter of children’s causes, responded swiftly to the news. Underwood, who has deep ties to the Texas music scene, announced via X that she would fund the girls’ medical care and counseling to help them recover from the trauma. Additionally, she pledged to perform a benefit concert in Kerrville to support the rebuilding of Camp Mystic and aid flood victims’ families. “These girls’ strength inspires us all,” Underwood wrote. “I’m honored to help them and this community heal.” Her announcement sparked a fresh wave of admiration, with fans praising her compassion and quick action.
The rescue has also reignited questions about Camp Mystic’s preparedness. A Washington Post report revealed that the camp’s executive director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, who perished in the flood, received a severe flood warning an hour before the disaster struck. Critics have raised concerns about the camp’s evacuation protocols, noting that state inspection reports offered little detail on emergency plans despite recent compliance. The Texas Department of State Health Services is now investigating, while camp officials have vowed to cooperate fully.
For now, the focus remains on the girls’ recovery and the community’s healing. Hadley, Eloise, and Lila are receiving treatment at a San Antonio hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition. Their families, overwhelmed with gratitude, issued a joint statement: “We thank God, the rescuers, and this community for bringing our daughters back to us. Their light will shine on.”
As Central Texas grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the story of these three survivors offers a beacon of hope. Their tale of resilience, coupled with Underwood’s heartfelt response, has united a grieving community in celebration of life’s fragility and strength.
