By Kaitlyn Rhodes | U.S. Investigative Ledger | July 16, 2025
In a revelation that is sending shockwaves through both the investigation and the families of the 27 missing Texas girls, a parent reviewing drone footage near Camp Mystic has discovered a previously overlooked detail — hiding in plain sight.
The image in question was taken on Day 3 of the search, from a drone scanning the perimeter of the flooded camp. At first glance, the photo showed only tree lines, debris, and overturned kayaks.
But as the parent — whose daughter was one of the missing — began zooming into the dense brush bordering the south ridge, a single tree caught their attention.
What they saw next stopped them cold.
Three faint figures — all girls — appeared to be crouched or leaning against the base of the tree, one with her back pressed to the bark, another partially hidden by branches.
And all three were wearing the distinct navy jackets assigned only to the oldest cabin group at Camp Mystic: ages 12–13.
Law enforcement has now confirmed that the photo does, in fact, contain “credible visual evidence” of the three oldest girls, who were believed to have been among the first to attempt escape during the rising floodwaters.
The girls appear wet, barefoot, and possibly injured, with one girl’s arm clearly outstretched — possibly signaling or pointing.
But what’s more chilling: investigators enhanced the image and found a shape above them carved into the tree’s bark.
The carving reads: “NO WAY BACK.”
Authorities now believe this moment may have been the last visual confirmation of the girls alive, and that they may have tried to signal rescuers from that location before vanishing deeper into the forest.
“This photo was taken days ago,” said Lt. Marcus Delaney. “And if it had been noticed then, the outcome might’ve changed. That’s a hard truth for all of us.”
Search crews have now refocused efforts on the tree’s GPS coordinates, where they’ve already found a torn piece of jacket fabric, scattered granola wrappers, and a camp-issued flashlight with a cracked lens.
The family who discovered the image has not spoken publicly but released a statement:
“We don’t know if they were alive when this was taken — but someone should have seen them. Someone still can.”