VOICEMAIL UNCOVERED: A Haunting Message from a Missing Camper at Camp Mystic
On July 12, 2025, a heart-wrenching voicemail surfaced in the investigation into the disappearance of five campers and a counselor at Camp Mystic. The recording, left by 14-year-old camper Sophie Reynolds on her mother’s phone just hours before the camp’s dining hall collapsed, contains a cryptic message: “They told us to sing so the water wouldn’t take us.” The voicemail, set against the backdrop of a hymn—“Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary”—cuts off abruptly as thunder cracks in the distance, leaving investigators and Sophie’s family desperate for answers.
The voicemail was discovered by Hawkins, who reported it to authorities, described the find as “devastating yet critical.” The 47-second recording begins with Sophie’s voice, trembling but clear, as she speaks over the sound of rain and distant singing. “Mom, it’s me,” she says. “Something’s weird here. They told us to sing so the water wouldn’t take us. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m scared.” The hymn, sung by multiple voices, grows louder before the line cuts off with a sharp crack of thunder. The timestamp places the call at 10:52 PM on July 10, roughly 20 minutes before the dining hall collapse.
Camp Mystic, a summer camp in upstate New York, has been under intense scrutiny since the collapse, which left Sophie and four other campers, along with counselor Emily Harper, missing. The voicemail has deepened the mystery, with its references to “they” and “the water” raising chilling questions. Who instructed the campers to sing, and what did Sophie mean by “the water”? The hymn, “Sanctuary,” is a staple of the camp’s nightly campfire gatherings, but its inclusion in the message has sparked debate about its significance.
Investigators are analyzing the voicemail for clues. “The recording is a key piece of evidence,” said Sheriff Laura Daniels. “We’re working to identify the voices in the background and determine the context of Sophie’s words.” Audio experts are enhancing the file to isolate background sounds, which include what appears to be a group of campers singing and the faint hum of wind or water. The mention of “the water” is particularly perplexing, as Lake Serenity, near the camp, was swollen from recent storms but not considered a direct threat at the time.
Sophie’s mother, Rachel Reynolds, played the voicemail for authorities after discovering it on her phone. “I listened to it over and over,” she said, her voice breaking. “Sophie sounded so scared. I need to know what she was trying to tell me.” Rachel noted that Sophie had been at Camp Mystic for two weeks and had seemed happy in previous calls, making the voicemail’s tone all the more alarming.
On X, the voicemail has ignited a firestorm of speculation. The hashtag #SophieVoicemail has trended, with users sharing clips of the hymn and theorizing about its meaning. Some suggest the singing was part of a camp ritual to ward off fear of the stormy weather, while others propose darker interpretations, linking the message to local legends about Lake Serenity. One post, viewed 1.5 million times, references a story about a “water spirit” said to lure children into the lake during storms. While dismissed by authorities as folklore, the tale has amplified public unease.
The investigation is exploring several angles. Was Sophie referring to a specific threat, or was her fear a reaction to the chaotic atmosphere of the stormy night? The dining hall collapse, attributed to a weakened foundation, occurred shortly after the voicemail, suggesting a possible connection. Search teams have focused on the lake, using sonar and divers, but no trace of Sophie or the others has been found. The hymn’s lyrics—“Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true”—have taken on a haunting resonance, with some X users interpreting them as a plea for protection.
Forensic analysis of the voicemail is ongoing, with experts attempting to identify the “they” Sophie mentioned. Camp staff have been interviewed, but none recall instructing campers to sing that night. The camp’s director, Margaret Kline, issued a statement expressing grief and pledging cooperation with authorities. “Our priority is finding Sophie and the others,” she said. “We’re as confused by this message as everyone else.”
The community around Camp Mystic is reeling. Vigils have drawn hundreds, with choir groups performing “Sanctuary” in Sophie’s honor. Volunteers continue to search the forest and lake, but the voicemail remains the most tangible clue in the case. Its abrupt end, punctuated by thunder, has left an indelible mark on the investigation, fueling hope that answers lie in its cryptic words.
