Chiefs Owner’s Family Mourns Young Relative Killed in Texas Flood that Swept Through Girls’ Camp
The deadly flash-flood that tore through Kerr County, Texas, after the Guadalupe River surged is now known to have claimed at least 82 lives—and officials warn the count will likely rise as search-and-rescue teams comb the debris-filled waterways.
Among the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer retreat for girls founded in 1926. Approximately 750 campers—second-grade age and up—were on site when walls of water rushed in. Camp leaders confirmed on Sunday (7 July) that 27 campers and staff members perished; 10 girls and one counselor are still unaccounted for.
One of the victims was nine-year-old Janie Hunt, a cousin of Kansas City Chiefs owner and CEO Clark Hunt. Janie’s mother told CNN, “We are just devastated.”
Clark’s wife, Tavia Hunt, shared her grief on Instagram:
“Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives— including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friends’ little girls. How do we trust a God who is supposed to be good, all-knowing, and all-powerful, yet allows such terrible things to happen—even to children? Scripture is filled with the cries of those whose hearts have been shattered.”
Other young campers confirmed dead include Renee Smajstrla (8), Sarah Marsha (8), Eloise Peck (8), and Lila Bonner (9).
Lila’s family issued a brief statement to NBC News, pleading for privacy: “We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has echoed local officials in warning that the casualty numbers may increase as floodwaters recede and recovery work continues.
