What was meant to be a joyful Fourth of July celebration in Kerrville, Texas, has turned into one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent state history.
As the floodwaters recede, the heartbreak is only growing deeper — and behind the public statements of “hope,” there are quiet preparations for a staggering death toll.
Death Toll Quietly Expected to Surpass 100
While state officials have continued to stress that search-and-rescue operations are still underway, internal estimates paint a much grimmer picture.
According to two separate sources who spoke with DailyMail, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) privately told emergency partners on Saturday that they expect the number of dead to exceed 100.
This prediction stands in sharp contrast to what’s being said in public.
“Our assets are still focused on finding people alive,” said W. Nim Kidd, head of TDEM, during a Saturday press conference.
“Our hope and prayer is that there are still people out there waiting to be rescued.”
So Far, 67 Lives Confirmed Lost
As of Sunday morning, local officials have confirmed 67 deaths: 46 adults and 21 children. But that number is expected to rise.
Among the most heartbreaking parts of the tragedy is the disappearance of 11 young girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp in the area.
Authorities are beginning the grim task of identifying the dead.
DNA testing is now underway, and families are being asked to provide blood samples and medical records to help identify remains that have been difficult to recognize due to the violent nature of the flood.
Families Flock to Kerrville in Search of Answers
With many still unaccounted for, families from across Texas have traveled to Kerrville to aid investigators.
The emotional toll is overwhelming.
People are showing up not just with photos and identifying details, but with hopes that their loved ones might still be found alive — or at least given a proper farewell.
For many, the uncertainty is worse than grief.
They’re clinging to faith, while bracing for what they may hear next.
Camp Mystic Tragedy Devastates Communities in Dallas
Among the victims were campers Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck from Dallas, two best friends whose families received the unthinkable news: their daughters didn’t survive the flood.
Camp Mystic, which hosted 700 campers over the holiday week, has long been a cherished tradition for families across Texas — especially those from affluent communities in Dallas’s Highland Park.
Now, it’s a place associated with profound loss.
Prominent Families and Church Communities Affected
The pain has rippled beyond individual families.
Many of the missing girls are connected to influential families in Highland Park and neighboring Park Cities — areas often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Dallas.”
Several have ties to Highland Park United Methodist Church, a community that’s now in mourning.
“One of the girls still missing, Hadley Hanna, is a member of our church,” said Senior Pastor Paul Rasmussen.
“Please pray for her and her family — Doug, Carrie, and her two sisters.
This tragedy touches generations of families who’ve been part of Camp Mystic.”
Over 300 people gathered at the church on Saturday night for a candlelight vigil in support of the victims and their loved ones.
DNA Testing Becomes Key to Identifying Victims
Given the nature of the flooding, officials say many of the recovered bodies were badly damaged by debris and water.
The state is turning to forensic testing to help bring closure to grieving families.
Investigators have asked relatives to assist by providing DNA samples — a process already underway in the Kerrville area.
Helpline Set Up for Families Searching for the Missing
For those still looking for loved ones or trying to report someone missing, officials have created a dedicated hotline.
Family members are urged to call 830-258-1111 and provide any available information, including names, descriptions, and last known locations.
The State Tries to Balance Hope with Reality
Even as hope lingers, the private communication from state officials makes it clear that the worst may be yet to come.
With dozens still missing and search efforts ongoing, communities across Texas are bracing for more sorrow — and more names added to the list.
In the meantime, families wait, pray, and hold onto each other — knowing that for many, life has changed forever in just a matter of hours.