FLASHLIGHT DISCOVERY: A Child’s Flashlight Found on Camp Mystic Roof — Battery Still Warm, Beam Still Faintly Lit, No Camper Has Claimed It… and the Roof Is 12 Feet High
The search for six missing campers and one counselor at Camp Mystic, ravaged by flash floods on July 4, 2025, has uncovered a baffling clue: a child’s flashlight found on the 12-foot-high roof of the recreation hall, its battery still warm and beam faintly lit. Unclaimed by any camper, the discovery raises questions about how it reached the roof and who may have placed it there. This article explores the find, the flood’s impact, and the ongoing search for answers.
The Flood’s Toll
The Guadalupe River’s 26-foot surge in 45 minutes devastated Camp Mystic, killing 27 campers and counselors, including director Richard “Dick” Eastland. Hosting 750 girls, the camp saw its “Flats” cabins destroyed, with survivors like Lucy Kennedy evacuated to higher ground. Six girls and one counselor remain missing, with 1,500 responders searching the debris-strewn riverbanks. The recreation hall, where recent clues like footprints and a voice memo were found, is a focal point.
The Flashlight Discovery
On July 11, 2025, a volunteer found a small, plastic flashlight on the recreation hall’s roof, 12 feet above ground. The flashlight, still faintly glowing with a warm battery, suggests recent use, yet no camper or counselor has claimed it. The roof, accessible only by a maintenance ladder swept away in the flood, is too high for a child to climb unaided, prompting speculation about how the flashlight got there. Its proximity to the sealed cellar, where footprints were found, and the prayer box with the message “We’re still here” ties it to other clues.
Investigators are testing the flashlight for fingerprints or DNA, theorizing it may belong to a missing camper like Greta Toranzo or Kellyanne Lytal. The warm battery indicates it was used post-flood, possibly by a survivor signaling for help. The recreation hall’s elevated position suggests someone may have climbed to the roof during the chaos, though CCTV footage shows no one exiting the building.
Search Efforts
The flashlight has intensified focus on the recreation hall, with drones and K9 units searching the roof and cellar. The cellar’s sealed hatch, still unopened due to structural risks, may hold answers. The Guadalupe River’s debris complicates the search, but Governor Greg Abbott’s commitment to finding every missing person drives efforts. The flashlight’s beam, though faint, offers hope that survivors persisted after the flood.
Community Response
The flashlight has become a symbol of hope and mystery. Families like Carrie Hanna, whose daughter Hadley is missing, are clinging to the possibility of survivors. The camp’s tight-knit community, with its history of faith and friendship, is mourning victims like Mary Barrett Stevens and Eloise Peck. Vigils in Kerrville honor the lost, with former camper Chloe Crane noting, “Mystic’s spirit endures, even in tragedy.”
Preparedness Scrutiny
The lack of a county warning system and delayed CodeRED alerts, combined with an emergency plan that overlooked the cellar, have sparked debate. The National Weather Service’s 1:14 a.m. warning was insufficient for evacuation, highlighting systemic failures.
A Beacon of Hope
The flashlight, still warm and glowing, suggests recent activity, fueling hope that survivors may be near. As crews prepare to access the cellar, the camp community prays for answers, haunted by the mystery of the roof.
Moving Forward
The flashlight, alongside the voice memo, stuffed toy, and footprints, keeps the search alive. Camp Mystic’s legacy of resilience drives the effort to find the missing, offering hope amidst heartbreak.