TEXAS — After weeks of searching, authorities have now confirmed that they have found the last of the 27 girls who went missing from Camp Mystic during the devastating storm.
The young girl was discovered just 800 meters from her family’s home, in a wooded area that had only recently become accessible following the floodwaters’ retreat. According to officials, the location had been searched before, but dense debris and unstable ground made it difficult to navigate in earlier stages of the rescue efforts.
“She was lying peacefully,” said one officer at the scene.
“There were no immediate signs of struggle. But when we saw her face… we all went quiet.”
A Moment That Broke Everyone’s Heart
The girl’s identity has not been publicly released, in respect for the family’s privacy, but police confirmed that she was the youngest among the 27 missing. First responders and volunteers who had been part of the search described the moment of discovery as “deeply emotional.”
“We’ve seen so much in the past few weeks,” one rescuer said.
“But this moment… it was different. It felt like the entire town stopped breathing.”
Several officers and medical workers at the scene reportedly could not hold back tears upon confirming her identity. Many had spoken to the girl’s parents in previous days and had hoped to bring closure — but not in this way.
Community in Mourning
In the hours following the announcement, local residents began leaving flowers, candles, and messages near the edge of the wooded trail where she was found. Schoolmates and neighbors gathered quietly, some holding hands, others simply standing in silence.
“She was almost home,” said a family friend.
“So close. We were praying for a miracle.”
The girl’s family has asked for privacy, but issued a short statement thanking everyone who helped in the search, and asking people to remember the joy she brought to those around her.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are still investigating the full circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the 27 girls, and whether environmental factors, structural negligence, or other causes played a role. With the final discovery, forensic teams now have the full picture to help reconstruct the timeline of what truly happened during the storm.
“This is the end of one chapter,” said Detective Lila Moreno.
“But it’s also the beginning of understanding.”