SHOCKING DISCOVERY: A Mother Finds Her Daughter’s Wet Bracelet 300 m from Camp Mystic — Engraved with “M+E 07/04/25,” The River Runs in the Opposite Direction

The catastrophic flash floods that struck Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas, on July 4, 2025, have left a trail of devastation and mystery. As search efforts continue for the six missing campers and one counselor, a mother’s discovery of her daughter’s engraved bracelet 300 meters from the camp has deepened the enigma. Found in a direction opposite to the Guadalupe River’s flow, the bracelet raises haunting questions about the fate of two missing girls, identified only by their initials “M+E.” This article explores the discovery, the flood’s impact, and the ongoing search for answers.

The Floods and Their Aftermath

On July 4, 2025, torrential rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry caused the Guadalupe River to surge from 3 feet to nearly 35 feet in just 45 minutes, overwhelming Camp Mystic’s riverside cabins. The camp, hosting 750 girls aged 8 to 17, confirmed 27 fatalities, including campers and counselors, with six girls and one counselor still missing as of July 12, 2025. The floods destroyed cabins, scattered belongings, and claimed the life of camp director Richard “Dick” Eastland, who died attempting to save campers. Rescue operations, involving over 1,500 responders, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones, continue to scour the debris-laden riverbanks.

The Bracelet Discovery

On July 11, 2025, Stacy Stevens, mother of 8-year-old Mary Barrett Stevens, one of the confirmed victims, was searching near the Guadalupe River, 300 meters downstream from Camp Mystic, when she found a wet, silver bracelet engraved with “M+E 07/04/25.” The bracelet, identified as belonging to Mary and her cabinmate Eloise Peck, another victim, was a cherished camp memento, symbolizing their friendship. The date matched the day of the flood, suggesting it was a recent creation, possibly from a camp craft activity. What stunned Stevens and investigators was the bracelet’s location: the river flows southwest, yet the bracelet was found northeast, against the current, in a muddy patch near a cypress tree.

This anomaly has sparked intense speculation. The river’s rapid rise and turbulent flow could have carried debris in unexpected directions, but the bracelet’s pristine condition and distance from the camp suggest it may have been placed or carried there post-flood. Stevens, devastated by her daughter’s loss, shared the find on a local Facebook group, prompting volunteers to focus searches in the area. Investigators are analyzing the bracelet for fingerprints or DNA to determine if it offers clues to other missing campers, such as Greta Toranzo or Kellyanne Lytal.

The Search Continues

The discovery has redirected search efforts to the northeast, an area previously considered less critical due to the river’s flow. Drones and K9 units are now combing the region, with volunteers sifting through mud and debris. The Guadalupe River’s unprecedented surge, reaching 35 feet near Comfort, Texas, scattered belongings far and wide, complicating the search. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha emphasized the commitment to finding all missing persons, stating, “We’re turning over every rock, every tree.” The bracelet’s location has led some to wonder if survivors sought higher ground or were carried by receding waters.

Emotional Toll on Families

The bracelet, a symbol of Mary and Eloise’s bond, has deepened the grief of their families. Stacy Stevens told The Economic Times, “Mary loved that bracelet; it was her and Eloise’s promise to be friends forever.” The discovery, while offering a tangible connection to her daughter, underscores the loss of two girls described as inseparable. Eloise’s mother, Missy Peck, confirmed her daughter’s death, noting, “Eloise was friends with everyone.” The camp’s tight-knit community, where generations of Texans have formed lifelong bonds, is reeling, with vigils in Houston and Dallas honoring the victims.

Questions of Preparedness

The flood’s rapid onset, with no evacuation orders issued due to the lack of a county-wide warning system, has drawn scrutiny. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly admitted, “No one knew a flood of this magnitude was coming,” but the absence of timely CodeRED alerts has sparked debate. The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 1:14 a.m. on July 4, but the river’s 26-foot rise by 4:00 a.m. left little time for action. Camp Mystic’s emergency plan, approved on July 2, remains undisclosed, raising questions about its effectiveness.

A Community in Mourning

The football community, including former Astros star Alex Bregman, has rallied around the families, sharing photos of missing campers like Kellyanne Lytal. The bracelet’s discovery has galvanized volunteers, with locals like Allyson Bebleu, a barista serving recovery workers, noting, “Everyone is putting themselves in the shoes of the Camp Mystic girls.” The camp’s legacy, marked by joy and faith, is now overshadowed by loss, but the community’s resolve to find answers persists.

Looking Forward

The bracelet, engraved with “M+E 07/04/25,” is both a clue and a poignant reminder of the lives lost. As investigators explore how it ended up 300 meters against the river’s flow, families hold onto hope for the remaining missing. The search continues, driven by the promise of closure and the enduring spirit of Camp Mystic’s community.