Miracle Rescue in Texas Floods: Woman Survives 20-Mile Ride Down River as Search Continues for Dozens of Missing Girls

A 22-year-old woman was miraculously rescued after being swept 20 miles down the Guadalupe River by powerful flash floods that have killed at least 27 people and left dozens more missing, including a group of young girls from a summer camp in Kerr County, Texas.

The woman was carried away by fast-moving water from her campsite at around 4 a.m. on Friday, as torrential rainfall triggered sudden, violent flooding in the Texas Hill Country. She was discovered clinging to a massive cypress tree near Lion's Park Dam at around 8 a.m., after being tossed through raging rapids, over four dams, and amidst dangerous debris including vehicles and refrigerators.

The 22-year-old girl was spotted clinging to a tree in the middle of the Guadeloupe River after being swept 20 miles downstream

Local resident Carl, who heard her screaming, spotted the woman in distress and flagged down a police officer when emergency calls failed to go through. Rescue boats were dispatched to the scene and navigated treacherous currents to reach her. By the time help arrived, the water had receded significantly, leaving the woman stranded 12 feet above the river’s surface. She was forced to drop into the rescue boat before being safely brought to shore.

Carl described her survival as “a true miracle.” He and his family gave the woman clothes, water, and comfort in the aftermath of the ordeal. She reportedly had been camping with her parents, sister, and extended family, and was swept from her car along with her mother and father. The condition and whereabouts of her parents remain unknown.

Rescuers in boats try to reach the woman in the tree - from where she eventually had to drop

The woman sustained only minor injuries and described a terrifying journey downstream, dodging debris and plunging through multiple river dams. Her survival has raised hope that others who remain missing—especially campers—may also be found alive.

Rescue efforts are ongoing following the catastrophic flooding, which began in the early hours of July 4. A third of a year’s worth of rain fell in just a few hours, overwhelming riverbanks and devastating campsites and communities.

Center Point resident Carl heard the woman's calls from outside his home

Among those unaccounted for are more than two dozen girls who were attending Camp Mystic, a popular Christian summer camp located along the river. Parents have been notified, and the majority of the 750 campers have been confirmed safe, but search-and-rescue operations continue with urgency. Helicopters, drones, trained swimmers, and military vehicles have been deployed to locate the missing.

Several names of the missing campers have been released by local media, including 9-year-old Laiey Landry, friends Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, and Renee Smajstrla—all believed to have been in the same cabin.

Homes, RVs and entire camps were washed away by flood waters that rose ferociously fast

Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, described the chaos when the storm hit. “The camp was completely destroyed,” she said. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.”

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick emphasized that the girls may still be alive, stating, “That does not mean they've been lost. They could be in a tree or out of communication.”

Huge areas of Kerr County were submerged after a freak dump of rain

Former President Donald Trump commented on the disaster, expressing support and confirming that federal assistance would be provided. “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best,” he said. “Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. God bless the families, and God bless Texas!”

The Fourth of July flash floods caught residents, campers, and local officials off guard. Authorities admitted the storm’s intensity was greater than forecasted and noted that additional heavy rain was expected over the weekend, keeping central Texas under ongoing flash flood warnings.

The Texas Hill Country, known for its scenic riverbanks and outdoor recreation, has become a scene of devastation and ongoing rescue efforts. As communities begin recovery, the focus remains on finding the missing and providing support to affected families.