The devastating flash floods that swept through Central Texas on July 4, 2025, have left communities reeling, with the tragic loss of at least 111 lives, including 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Among the victims was 9-year-old Janie Hunt, mistakenly referred to as Janie Betts in some reports, a vibrant young girl from Dallas whose death has deeply affected her family, including her cousin, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The floods, described as a once-in-a-generation disaster, struck with unprecedented force, catching many by surprise as the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, transforming a beloved summer retreat into a scene of unimaginable loss.
Camp Mystic, located northwest of San Antonio, was home to approximately 550 campers when the floodwaters surged through, destroying cabins and scattering debris across the area. Janie, attending the camp for the first time alongside six of her cousins, was among those lost. Her grandmother, Margaret Hunt, confirmed that Janie’s cousins were safe, but the family is grappling with profound grief. Janie, a great-granddaughter of oil baron William Herbert Hunt, was described by her mother as “brave and sweet,” a bright light whose absence leaves an indelible void. The family’s pain is compounded by the need to identify her at a funeral home, a heart-wrenching task no parent should endure.
Karoline Leavitt, in her role as White House Press Secretary, has faced public scrutiny amid the tragedy. During a Monday briefing, she passionately defended President Trump against claims that federal budget cuts to the National Weather Service (NWS) contributed to the disaster, calling such accusations a “depraved lie.” Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting Texas, noting that President Trump signed a major disaster declaration to unlock federal resources and plans to visit the state later this week. Despite her professional resolve, the personal toll of losing her young cousin underscores the human cost of the catastrophe.
The floods have sparked questions about the adequacy of weather warnings. While the NWS issued a flood watch for Kerr County over 12 hours in advance, local officials, including Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, claimed there was no effective warning system in place. The rapid escalation of the storm, which dumped nearly a foot of rain in hours, overwhelmed preparedness efforts. Meanwhile, stories of heroism have emerged, including that of Camp Mystic’s director, Dick Eastland, who died trying to save campers. Other camps, like Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, avoided loss by swiftly evacuating after noticing rising waters.
As rescue operations continue, with over 160 air rescues and 850 people saved, the community mourns not only Janie but other young victims, including 8-year-old twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, Eloise Peck, Lila Bonner, and Mary Kate Jacobe. The tragedy has united families, churches, and first responders in grief and resilience, as Texas faces the daunting task of rebuilding. For Leavitt and her family, the loss of Janie is a personal sorrow amid a national tragedy, a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of community.
