Featured Image Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: News, US News, Texas floods, Weather
Gerrard Kaonga
Topics: News, US News, Texas floods, Weather
Grieving parents have revealed the identities of children who were among the 27 people to have died at Camp Mystic in the deadly Texas floods.
The Texas flash flood have swept through communities since July 4 and cause massive devastation, killing 82 throughout the state.
While rescue and search efforts remain underway in the new week, authorities are warning that the death toll will continue to rise.
One of the most heartbreaking elements of the surprise flood is that a summer Christian girls camp was massively impacted.
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The camp, set up in 1926, is for girls above the second grade to build their confidence and independence.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that some 750 girls had been staying at the camp when the floodwaters hit.
Officials have said 10 girls and one camp counselor remain missing, with parents heartbreakingly confirming the names of the girls who have died in the floods.
The family of 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla took to social media to confirm the passing of their daughter.
The child’s uncle Shawn Salta wrote on Facebook that he was thankful for the efforts to find Renee.
He said: “Thank you to all our friends and family for all the prayers and outreach. Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly.
“We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic. Please continue to pray for the other families in Kerrville.”
Sarah’s family have said she died after the waters swept through the camp.
Her grandmother spoke to Kerrville Daily Times and said the sweet child will live in their hearts.
She said: “Thank you for the outpouring of love and sympathy! We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever! We love you so much sweet Sarah.”
The family of Eloise confirmed over the weekend that she had been found dead.
The family released a statement in part saying: “It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Eloise Peck has been found and is now an angel.
“Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals.
“She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died. Eloise had a family who loved her fiercely for the 8 years she was with us. Especially her Mommy."
Speaking to NBC News, Lila’s family also confirmed that she was found, but said they would like privacy and won’t be giving additional details.
The family said: “In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time.
“We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”
The mother of Dallas victim Janie Hunt confirmed that her daughter was also among the girls who had died in the flooding, adding: "We are just devastated."
Her grandmother Margaret said that six of Janie's cousins also attended the camp with her, but they are thankfully safe.