TEXAS — In a deeply emotional statement, a father has confirmed that his 8-year-old twin daughters were among the victims of the catastrophic flooding that struck Camp Mystic earlier this week.
The family, who had been holding onto hope since the girls went missing during the early hours of the storm, received confirmation after rescue teams recovered clear surveillance footage showing the final moments before the tragedy occurred.
“They were holding hands,” the father shared through tears.
“They were trying to run, but the water came too fast. I never imagined watching something like that.”
The Final Footage
The video, captured from a fixed security camera mounted near one of the side cabins, shows the twin girls standing near a footpath that quickly became overwhelmed by rushing floodwaters. The footage is time-stamped just minutes before contact with several campers was lost.
In the first two seconds, the girls appear confused but calm — looking toward the trees. By the third second, a wave of water crashes through the path, sweeping them off their feet in an instant.
“It is very hard to watch,” said an officer who reviewed the video.
“But it provides us with clarity on what happened — and, sadly, how little time they had to react.”
Ongoing Search and Support
Rescue teams are continuing to search the riverbanks and surrounding forested areas for any trace of the girls, though they have advised the family that the likelihood of survival is now extremely low.
Despite the devastating update, the father said he was grateful to have seen the footage — not for closure, but because “it showed their final moment was together.”
“They were inseparable from birth,” he said.
“And they were together at the end. That matters to me.”
Grief counselors have been assigned to the family, and a local church is organizing a candlelight vigil in honor of the twins.
Community Response
News of the twins’ fate has rippled through the local community, with residents and volunteers pausing search efforts for a moment of silence late Thursday evening.
“This hits everyone hard,” said a Camp Mystic staff member.
“They were sweet, curious girls — always together, always smiling.”
A growing memorial of flowers, drawings, and messages has been placed near the camp’s entrance.
Investigation Continues
While attention now turns to recovery and support for affected families, investigators are also continuing to review storm response protocols, evacuation procedures, and emergency warning systems at the camp.
Officials have not yet announced whether the full footage will be made public, citing its sensitive nature and out of respect for the family.