KERR COUNTY, TX — Another name has been heartbreakingly added to the growing list of victims claimed by the devastating flash floods that ravaged Central Texas this week. The family of 9-year-old Lila Bonner has confirmed that she was found deceased following the catastrophic flooding that struck Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.

Lila, a rising third grader, was among several children reported missing after historic rainfall caused the river to violently overflow its banks. The storm turned a beloved place of summer joy into a site of unspeakable tragedy, with fast-moving waters sweeping away cabins, trails, and lives in an instant.

She was last seen wearing her Camp Mystic T-shirt, a symbol of a place she adored—where days were filled with songs, prayers, swimming, friendship, and laughter. For her family and the many campers and counselors who knew her, the shirt is now a poignant reminder of her radiant spirit and the memories she leaves behind.

A Community in Mourning

News of Lila’s passing has sent fresh waves of grief through not only her family, but also her community and the larger Camp Mystic family, which spans generations of women bonded by their shared experiences at the camp.

“Lila was a light,” a family friend shared. “She had this sparkle in her eyes and a laugh that could warm an entire room. It’s impossible to believe she’s gone.”

Rising Toll and Ongoing Search Efforts

Lila’s death raises the official death toll to 37 as of Saturday evening, a staggering number that reflects the scale of destruction left in the wake of the floodwaters. Authorities and volunteers are continuing search and rescue operations throughout Kerr County and surrounding areas, desperately hoping to locate additional missing children, staff members, and residents.

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster, and emergency crews are working around the clock. Drones, search dogs, and National Guard units are being used to navigate through mud-covered roads and flood-damaged structures, including cabins along the riverbanks.

Remembering Lila

Lila Bonner is being remembered as bright, brave, and kind, a child who loved singing, making friendship bracelets, reading Bible stories, and making everyone around her feel included. Her gentle presence touched lives far beyond her age, and her loss is being felt in schools, churches, and homes across Texas.

Tributes have poured in on social media from classmates, teachers, fellow campers, and community members. A candlelight vigil is reportedly being planned in her hometown in the coming days.

A Call for Compassion

As more families wait in limbo, the entire region is being asked to show compassion and restraint, honoring the privacy of those experiencing profound grief and loss. Support is growing through donation drives, prayer circles, and online fundraisers for affected families.

May Lila Bonner’s memory be a blessing to all who knew her. She was deeply loved and will never be forgotten.