HUNT, TX — What was meant to be a joyful summer filled with laughter, friendship, and cherished memories turned into an unimaginable tragedy on July 4, 2025, when catastrophic flash flooding struck Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

The powerful and unexpected floodwaters surged through the area after hours of relentless rainfall upstream, quickly overwhelming the banks of the river and sweeping across the campgrounds with little warning. The flood turned a place of safety and joy into a desperate scene of chaos and survival.

Among the many young lives forever altered by the disaster was Blakely McCrory, a bright, joyful camper whose life was tragically cut short by the unforgiving force of nature. Blakely, just 13 years old, was known for her infectious smile, her boundless energy, and her kind, gentle heart. She was the kind of person who made others feel at ease—quick with a hug, eager to help, and always ready to lift others up with her laughter and optimism.

As the floodwaters rose with alarming speed, counselors and staff scrambled to lead campers to higher ground. Witnesses say Blakely was last seen helping a younger camper to safety, embodying the selfless spirit that her family and friends knew so well. Despite heroic efforts by rescue teams, she was swept away by the surging current.

Her body was recovered hours later, as search and rescue operations combed the devastated area by air and boat. The news of her death has left her family, fellow campers, and the entire Camp Mystic community shattered with grief.

In a statement released by her parents, the McCrory family expressed both heartbreak and gratitude:

“Our precious Blakely was full of love, light, and a passion for life that touched everyone she met. She died in a place she loved, surrounded by friends she adored. We are thankful for the outpouring of love and for those who risked their lives to help the girls that night. We will never be the same, but we are proud of the daughter we raised, and we know she’s now resting in the arms of her Savior.”

Camp Mystic, which has stood for nearly a century as a place of character-building, sisterhood, and spiritual growth, now finds itself grappling with profound loss. In its own statement, camp leadership described the flood as “the darkest day in Camp Mystic’s long history,” while vowing to support every family affected and honor Blakely’s legacy in the days to come.

The tragedy has shaken the entire state of Texas and sparked widespread mourning across the country, as news of the incident spread through social media and press coverage. Vigils have been held in Blakely’s hometown, and thousands have shared messages of remembrance online, using hashtags like #ShineForBlakely and #MysticStrong.

Beyond the heartbreak, there are also calls for increased attention to weather preparedness and flood safety for camps and rural institutions. Meteorologists noted that a combination of saturated ground and intense localized rainfall created the perfect storm for flash flooding. While alerts were issued, the speed and ferocity of the waters left little time for large-scale evacuation.

In the wake of the disaster, the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service have begun reviewing emergency protocols for summer camps statewide. Many are asking what more could have been done—and how to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.

Still, in the midst of pain, Blakely’s memory is already becoming a symbol of light and resilience. Friends describe her as a leader in her cabin, a source of strength to those who were homesick, and a young girl deeply grounded in faith and compassion. Her favorite Bible verse, which she had written on her bunk before the flood, read:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Blakely McCrory lived those words every day, and even in death, her light continues to shine.

As her family prepares to lay her to rest in the coming days, they’ve asked that donations in her memory be made to organizations that support children’s summer programs, flood relief, and mental health services for young people affected by trauma.

While the waters have receded, the scars left by this tragedy will remain for a lifetime. But in Blakely’s honor, those who knew her are choosing to love harder, live brighter, and shine on.