The camp, which has been in operation since 1926, had about 750 girls enrolled when the flood struck. With little warning, the rapidly rising Guadalupe River overflowed the camp, leaving little time for evacuation. A large number of victims were girls in the second and third grades who had just started their summer adventure. Lila Bonner (9), Sarah Marsha, Eloise Peck (all ages 8), and Renee Smajstrla are additional confirmed victims.
Like many others, Lila’s family asked for privacy while they grieved the loss of their child. As the disaster’s full scope becomes apparent, the larger community is still in shock. Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, has cautioned that the death toll could still rise. The state has a long road ahead in terms of rescue, recovery, and healing as families grieve.