Rep August Pfluger reunites with his two daughters after Camp Mystic evacuation, honors heroic rescuers

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS: A devastating flood swept through Central Texas over the weekend, destroying Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, and leaving dozens dead and missing.

Among the thousands affected, Rep August Pfluger (R-Texas) shared an emotional update after being reunited with his two daughters, Caroline and Juliana, who had been evacuated from the camp.

The disaster has claimed at least 82 lives, as per The New York Times live updates. As of Sunday morning, 27 young girls from Camp Mystic remained unaccounted for, intensifying a large-scale rescue operation.

Congressman August Pfluger reunites with daughters after Camp Mystic evacuation

“Camille, Vivian and I are now reunited with Caroline and Juliana who were evacuated from Camp Mystic,” August Pfluger wrote in a statement, expressing both personal relief and sorrow for families still facing uncertainty.

“The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors,” he added. 

Pflugrt went on to thank those behind the rescue operation, noting, "We want to thank the first responders who have come from far and wide to save lives. The TX Division of Emergency Management has been incredible and the White House, DHS, FEMA, DPS and local officials have all been responsive and helpful."

Camp Mystic, which had 750 attendees when the floodwaters struck, was “completely destroyed,” according to 13-year-old camper Elinor Lester.

The teen described the harrowing moments as helicopters arrived to rescue campers amid the chaos.

Congressman August Pfluger pays tribute to 'countless heroes', including Camp Mystic’s late director

In a separate post, the congressmen highlighted the selflessness of camp counselors and staff who acted swiftly during the flood. “There are countless heroes who acted so bravely during this tragic situation – who sacrificed for others – thank you… and for most of you we will never even know the stories or understand what you did! But, THANK YOU!” he said.

Pfluger also honored Camp Mystic’s co-owner, Dick Eastland, who lost his life during the incident. “Camp Mystic’s Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers,” Pfluger wrote. “For decades he and his wife Tweety poured his life into loving and developing girls and women of character. Thank you Mr. Eastland. We love you and miss you.”

Pfluger shared on Instagram that he toured one of the hardest-hit areas of San Angelo alongside Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter and Mayor Tom Thompson.

In his post, Pfluger described the flooding’s impact as “devastating,” noting that thousands have been affected.

Camp director Dick Eastland dies while trying to save campers

Dick Eastland, the longtime director and co-owner of Camp Mystic, died while attempting to rescue young campers as a wall of water surged through the campgrounds along the Guadalupe River. The director had owned the camp since 1974 and was widely admired within the community.

Though a Facebook tribute by his nephew confirming his passing has since been removed, tributes have poured in from camp counselors, former attendees, and public officials, all commending Eastland for his selfless and heroic efforts in the face of disaster.

Search intensifies for missing as acts of bravery emerge amid devastating Texas floods

Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the urgency of the search, stating that crews “won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins” at Camp Mystic. Search teams remain deployed across the Guadalupe River region, with special focus on areas where debris has obstructed access.

In one instance of courage, Emma Foltz, a Louisiana Tech University senior and long-time Camp Mystic counselor, helped evacuate 14 campers to safety. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry praised her actions in a public post, stating, “Please join me in thanking Emma for all her hard work and bravery under immense pressure.”

Elsewhere in Kerr County, a woman, Devyn Smith, survived being swept 20 miles downriver by clinging to a tree for hours before being rescued by a local family, one of several such dramatic rescues as floodwaters begin to recede.

Officials continue to search for 11 young girls and one counselor still missing from Camp Mystic. Pfluger urged the public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts, stating, “Pray for miracles.”

Emergency crews and volunteers remain at the scene, clearing debris and navigating difficult terrain in hopes of finding survivors.