Miracle Rescue: Girl Clinging to Tree After 12-Mile River Ordeal Survives Deadly Texas Floods

KERRVILLE, Texas — In a remarkable act of survival, a 10-year-old girl was rescued after being swept approximately 12 miles down the rushing Guadalupe River during flash flooding early Friday. Authorities discovered her alive, clinging to a tree—an extraordinary outcome amid a disaster that has claimed at least 24 lives and left dozens missing across Central Texas.

Sudden, Torrential Flooding

An intense storm unleashed nearly 10 inches of rain over Kerr County within hours on July 4, causing the Guadalupe River to surge by 26 feet in under 45 minutes. Floodwaters swept away homes, vehicles, and parts of Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp housing more than 700 girls

At least 24 people were killed, and rescue teams continue to conduct searches for those unaccounted for, including 23 to 25 campers from Camp Mystic

A Harrowing Journey and Heroic Escape

• The girl was in a vehicle with her family when it was carried into the swelling river. Separated during the chaos, she was swept over five dams and through debris fields consisting of cars and even household appliances.

• She eventually found refuge, clinging to a tree trunk where rescuers located her alive, albeit exhausted and frightened.

• She was transported to a nearby medical facility and, as of the latest updates, is in stable condition.

Camp Mystic Crisis and Ongoing Search Efforts

Camp Mystic was devastated in the flood, prompting massive rescue efforts. More than 237 people have been rescued—including 167 via helicopter—as 400 responders deploy boats, helicopters, and drones along the riverbanks.

Heavy rainfall persisted through Saturday, prompting additional flash flood warnings and amplifying the urgency of search operations.

Warnings, Preparedness, and Aftermath

Despite warnings from national weather services, many residents and camp staff report receiving no direct alerts. The flood’s suddenness left little time for evacuation—prompting officials to rethink emergency warning systems in flood-prone areas.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state disaster for 15 counties, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick emphasized continued search efforts and concern for the missing campers.

Beacons of Hope in Tragic Times

• The girl’s survival—after enduring a 12-mile ordeal and holding onto a tree—stands as a powerful symbol of resilience in a moment of widespread loss.

• While rescue teams continue their work, families remain hopeful amid support from the community and emergency services.

What Happens Next

• Search and recovery efforts remain fully underway, particularly at Camp Mystic and surrounding riverbanks.

• Forecasters issue continued warnings as more rain hits the region.

• Investigations into improving early flood warnings and evacuation procedures are underway.

This young survivor’s extraordinary rescue highlights both the ferocity of nature and the strength of the human spirit. As Texas mourns its losses, her story offers a moment of hope and solidarity for the community.