Byline: Red River County, Texas — July 2025
A bombshell internal report obtained by Fox National Desk has sparked nationwide outrage after revealing that a senior park ranger in charge of safety protocols at Camp Wrenwood — the Texas site where 27 girls went missing during a catastrophic flood — had been warned multiple times about dangerous water levels in the area days before the disaster.
Despite the warnings, the ranger refused to evacuate or modify camp schedules, and even greenlit a river hike just hours before the flood struck.
🚨 The Missed Warnings
According to emails and radio transcripts reviewed exclusively by this outlet, the U.S. Forest Service and regional emergency officials sent at least three alerts to Ranger Mark T. Halwell, the official overseeing outdoor safety at Camp Wrenwood.
One alert from June 8th at 3:34 PM warned:
“Brazos River swelling exceeds June 2021 levels. Downstream debris risk HIGH. Immediate mitigation recommended for camps and recreation zones.”
Despite this, Halwell reportedly dismissed the threat, replying to one email: “Storms like this come and go. We’ll reassess in the morning.”
⏱️ Timeline That Haunts
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June 10, 9:00 AM: Halwell signs off on Group Hike 3, sending 41 girls — including those now missing — along a trail bordering the floodplain.
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June 10, 11:28 AM: A sudden surge from upstream dam activity triggers rapid flooding in low-lying areas.
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June 10, 12:07 PM: Parents begin receiving distressed messages from their daughters.
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June 10, 1:00 PM: 27 girls are unaccounted for.
By the time local rangers activated the emergency plan, it was too late.
🔍 The Public Reaction
The revelations have incited fury across social media and in Washington D.C. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are now demanding a criminal investigation into possible negligence or misconduct.
“This is no longer a natural disaster — it’s a preventable tragedy,” said Senator Claire Redmond (R-TX). “And someone must be held accountable.”
A Change.org petition titled “Justice for the 27” gathered over 2.4 million signatures within 24 hours.
🎥 Video Evidence Surfaces
A new drone video, taken two days before the flood and never released to the public until now, shows Halwell speaking casually to campers near the water’s edge:
“This river’s seen worse. Just stay out of the current and you’ll be fine.”
One parent, whose daughter is among the missing, watched the video and collapsed in tears.
“He looked so calm. My daughter trusted him.”
🧾 What's Next
Texas Attorney General’s Office has confirmed that an independent probe is underway. Ranger Halwell has been placed on administrative leave without pay. His attorney has declined to comment.
Meanwhile, recovery crews continue searching through remote flood zones. No additional survivors have been found since July 3rd.
🔚 Bottom Line
27 girls were sent into danger.
The warnings were clear.
The response was not.
Now, a nation demands justice.