Texas flooding victims: What we know about those who lost their lives
Share and Follow


() The Fourth of July weekend flash flooding on the Guadalupe River in Central Texas killed dozens of victims on Friday, including children. 

As rescuers desperately search for dozens more still missing, this is what we know about those who lost their lives.

Jane Ragsdale, camp director

Jane Ragsdale, 68, was director of Heart O’ the Hills Camp in Hunt. It was one of the summer camps in hard-hit Kerr County that was in the path of flood waters. The camp was between sessions and did not have children present, but Ragsdale perished, Heart O’ the Hills said in a Facebook post.

“Jane wasn’t just our director, she was our guiding light, our example, and our safe place. She had the rare gift of making every person feel seen, loved, and important. Her kindness, strength, and wisdom shaped generations of campers and staff,” the camp said.

Sarah Marsh, 8, camper

Sarah Marsh, 8, of Mountain Brook, Ala., was a camper at Camp Mystic, the all-girls Christian camp near Hunt, Texas, along the Guadalupe River. The mayor of Mountain Brook announced the girl’s passing in a Facebook message, saying, “This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community.

Richard Eastland, Camp Mystic owner

Camp Mystic owner Richard Dick Eastland, who was in his 70s, died while attempting to rescue campers as flood waters overtook the riverfront property, according to multiple media reports.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers,” former camper and longtime friend Paige Sumner wrote in the Kerrville Daily Times. “He had already saved so many lives with the gift of Camp Mystic.”

Linnie McCown, 8, camper

Linnie McCown of Austin, a student at Casis Elementary School, was another camper who did not survive the flooding at Camp Mystic.

“It’s with the heaviest of hearts we must share that our sweet little Linnie is with the Lord in heaven,” her father, Michael McCown, said on Instagram. “She filled our hearts with so much joy we cannot begin to explain.”

Lila Bonner, 9, camper

The family of Camp Mystic attendee Lila Bonner confirmed to KXAN-TV over the weekend she was among those killed in the flooding. In a statement, the Dallas girl’s family said, “We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”

Julian Ryan, 27

Ingram resident Julian Ryan, 27, died while trying to evacuate his family from their home near the Guadalupe River during the flash flooding. His fiancé, Christina Wilson, says Ryan cut his arm when he punched out a window so that she and her children and mother could escape. His body was recovered after flood waters receded, she said. An online fundraiser has been launched to assist his survivors.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Venezuela mobilizes troops, weapons in response to US warship buildup in Caribbean

Venezuela Escalates Military Presence Amid Rising US Naval Tensions in the Caribbean

In a decisive response to the Trump administration’s deployment of U.S. warships…
Hundreds detained as part of federal immigration 'Operation Midway Blitz' ordered released on bond, judge says

Judge Orders Release on Bond for Hundreds Detained in Federal Immigration ‘Operation Midway Blitz

A federal judge has announced plans to release up to 615 migrants…
Two brothers who survived the Parkland shooting hurt after Ybor City crash

Parkland Survivor Brothers Injured in Ybor City Car Accident

In a tragic turn of events on Friday night in Ybor City,…
US Mint in Philadelphia presses final pennies as the 1-cent coin gets canceled

Philadelphia Mint Ends Penny Production as 1-Cent Coin Phases Out

PHILADELPHIA — In a historic shift, the U.S. Mint announced on Wednesday…
China moves into Venezuela as Maduro regime gets Beijing lifeline amid US tensions

China Strengthens Ties with Venezuela: A New Chapter as US Relations Strain

Venezuela’s Maduro accuses US of starting ‘eternal war’ Daniel Di Martino, a…
Surging Knicks dismantle Grizzlies to extend win streak to five games

Dominant Knicks Triumph Over Grizzlies, Celebrate Fifth Consecutive Victory

The Knicks have turned their game into a seamless display of skill.…
South Loop's Game Changer: Inside 'The 78,' Chicago Fire Stadium, ABC7 Tanja Babich visits Overflow coffee at 14th and Michigan

South Loop Transformation: A Look Inside ‘The 78’ Featuring Chicago Fire Stadium and ABC7’s Tanja Babich’s Visit to Overflow Coffee at 14th and Michigan

CHICAGO — Our latest Coffee Chat Series made its debut in Chicago’s…
Construction to begin on Jacksonville's Latter-day Saints temple in January

Jacksonville’s Latter-day Saints Temple Set to Break Ground This January

Excitement is building in Mandarin, Jacksonville, as a significant milestone approaches for…