FINAL 5 MINUTES? GoPro Footage Found in Backpack of Texas Camp Counselor – One of 27 Girls Seen Running Before the Camera Cuts
On July 4, 2025, a catastrophic flash flood tore through Kerr County, Texas, devastating the historic Camp Mystic, a Christian summer retreat for girls. The disaster claimed at least 121 lives, with 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic among the victims. Amid the tragedy, a chilling discovery has emerged: GoPro footage found in the backpack of a camp counselor, capturing the final moments before the deluge overwhelmed the camp. The footage, which lasts approximately five minutes, shows young girls running in panic as floodwaters surged, before abruptly cutting off. This article explores the heartbreaking context of the flood, the significance of the footage, and the broader implications for camp safety in flood-prone regions.
The Tragedy at Camp Mystic
Camp Mystic, located along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, has been a cherished summer destination for generations of girls since its founding in 1926. Known for its Christian values, outdoor activities, and tight-knit community, the camp welcomed around 700 girls in the summer of 2025. However, its picturesque location in the Texas Hill Country, often referred to as “flash flood alley,” placed it in a vulnerable position. The Guadalupe River, which runs adjacent to the camp, is notorious for rapid surges during heavy rainfall, a risk that has plagued the region for decades.
On the morning of July 4, 2025, a powerful storm dumped over 10 inches of rain in a matter of hours, causing the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes—an unprecedented surge equivalent to the height of a two-story building. The floodwaters swept through Camp Mystic, inundating cabins, washing away vehicles, and claiming the lives of at least 27 campers and counselors, some as young as eight years old. Among the victims were 18-year-old counselor Chloe Childress, described by her family as a beacon of “contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith,” and 8-year-old camper Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal.
The camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, who had long advocated for improved flood warning systems in the region, also perished while attempting to rescue campers. His efforts to mitigate flood risks, including his work with the local river authority, were tragically insufficient against the scale of this disaster. As of July 15, 2025, at least five campers and one counselor remain missing, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
The GoPro Footage: A Haunting Record
Among the debris recovered in the aftermath, a volunteer in Comfort, Texas, found a pink backpack emblazoned with the Camp Mystic logo. Inside was a GoPro camera belonging to one of the counselors, later identified as 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo, whose remains were found on July 11. The footage, though brief, offers a harrowing glimpse into the chaos that unfolded as the flood hit.
The five-minute clip begins with a group of girls, aged between 8 and 10, in a cabin known as the “Bubble Inn.” The atmosphere is initially calm, with the girls preparing for bed under the supervision of their counselors. Suddenly, the sound of heavy rain intensifies, and a counselor’s voice—presumably Ferruzzo’s—urges the girls to gather their belongings. The camera captures the girls’ faces, a mix of confusion and growing fear, as water begins seeping into the cabin. Within moments, the situation escalates. The footage shows the girls running outside, some holding hands, as counselors shout instructions to move to higher ground. The camera shakes as Ferruzzo appears to navigate through rising, chest-deep water, her headlamp illuminating the darkness. The final frames show the girls scattering in panic before the camera abruptly cuts off, likely when it was submerged or damaged.
This footage, now in the possession of the Texas Rangers, has become a critical piece of evidence in reconstructing the timeline of the tragedy. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the counselors’ bravery, as they risked their lives to guide their young charges to safety. For the families of the victims, the footage is both a heartbreaking record of their loved ones’ final moments and a testament to the courage displayed in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Broader Context: Flood Risks and Camp Safety
The tragedy at Camp Mystic has reignited discussions about the safety of summer camps in flood-prone areas. The Guadalupe River’s history of deadly floods is well-documented, with similar incidents occurring in 1932, 1985, and 1987, when 10 children at a nearby camp were swept away. Despite these warnings, Camp Mystic continued to operate in a known 100-year flood zone, a decision that has drawn scrutiny. Reports indicate that the camp’s disaster plan was approved just days before the flood, raising questions about its adequacy and whether earlier evacuation could have saved lives.
Critics argue that local and federal authorities, including FEMA, failed to enforce stricter regulations on camps located in high-risk areas. AccuWeather had issued a flash flood warning hours before the National Weather Service, but Camp Mystic reportedly delayed evacuation by an hour, a critical window that may have contributed to the loss of life. The camp’s location, bisected by Cypress Creek and adjacent to the Guadalupe River, amplified its vulnerability, as floodwaters from multiple sources converged.
The disaster also highlights the challenges of predicting and responding to flash floods in the Texas Hill Country, where rocky terrain and rapid runoff create deadly conditions. While Dick Eastland had pushed for improved flood alerts, the scale and speed of the July 4 flood overwhelmed existing systems. Experts are now calling for enhanced early warning systems, mandatory evacuation drills, and stricter zoning regulations for camps and other facilities in flood-prone areas.
Community Response and Recovery
The Camp Mystic community, including parents, alumni, and former counselors like Pamela Brown, who attended the camp in her youth, has been left reeling. Brown, now a CNN journalist, described the loss as “too much to bear” upon visiting the devastated site. The camp, which counts Laura Bush and descendants of Lyndon Johnson among its alumni, has been a cornerstone of Texas tradition, making the tragedy a deeply personal loss for many.
Rescue efforts have been extensive, with helicopters, boats, and drones deployed to search for survivors and recover remains. Volunteers and first responders have combed through debris-laden riverbanks, finding personal belongings like beds, furniture, and the now-iconic Camp Mystic t-shirt and backpack. The emotional toll on rescuers and families is immense, with many holding out hope for the missing, even as the likelihood of finding survivors fades.
Camp Mystic has issued statements expressing grief and gratitude for the support of local and state authorities. The camp is cooperating with investigations into the disaster, and its future remains uncertain. For now, the focus is on supporting the affected families and honoring the memory of those lost, including counselors like Chloe Childress and Katherine Ferruzzo, who gave their lives trying to protect their campers.
Moving Forward: Lessons from the Tragedy
The GoPro footage, while devastating, offers a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. It has sparked calls for systemic changes, including better flood forecasting, stricter safety protocols for camps, and increased public awareness of flood risks. The courage of the counselors, captured in those final five minutes, underscores the selflessness of those who put the safety of others before their own.
As Texas grapples with the aftermath of this historic flood, the legacy of Camp Mystic and its fallen campers and counselors will endure. The footage serves not only as evidence of a tragedy but also as a call to action to prevent future losses in “flash flood alley.” For now, the focus remains on healing, remembering, and ensuring that the sacrifices of those like Katherine Ferruzzo and Chloe Childress are never forgotten.
