HUNT, TEXAS — In a devastating development amid the ongoing disaster in Central Texas, the family of 9-year-old Lila Bonner has confirmed that the young camper was found deceased following the catastrophic flash flooding at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River. Lila, a rising third grader, had been reported missing since the early hours of Friday morning when historic rains caused the river to swell and sweep through the beloved all-girls Christian summer camp in Kerr County.
Lila’s family notified Channel2 NOW late Saturday evening that search and rescue crews had recovered her body. “She was last seen wearing her Camp Mystic T-shirt,” one family member shared, “a symbol of joy, of sisterhood, and of the place she loved most during her summers.” That image—Lila in her camp tee, surrounded by nature and friends—will now live on in memory for the countless loved ones mourning her loss.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
The confirmation of Lila’s death brings the official fatality count to 37, with more victims still unaccounted for as of Sunday morning. Lila’s passing represents one of the many young lives tragically cut short in what Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a “mass casualty weather emergency.”
Lila was one of over 200 campers and staff at Camp Mystic when the Guadalupe River, swollen by nearly 15 inches of rain overnight, burst its banks in the predawn hours of July 4. Entire cabins were swept away. Some campers were rescued by helicopter, while others fought rising waters on foot or clung to debris as first responders struggled to access the remote, storm-ravaged site.
Family’s Request for Privacy
In a brief but emotional statement, Lila’s family thanked the public for the overwhelming support shown during the search efforts, which spanned nearly two days. They also respectfully asked for privacy as they begin the painful process of grieving their daughter.
“Please do not contact the family using any information previously circulated during the search,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the love, but we now ask for space to mourn Lila in peace.”
Remembering Lila Bonner
Lila was known for her bright spirit, infectious laughter, and deep love of nature. She had just completed second grade and was looking forward to starting third grade this fall. A frequent participant in church activities, school plays, and Girl Scouts, Lila was the heart of her family—an “old soul in a little girl’s body,” as her aunt described.
Her love for Camp Mystic ran deep. She’d been counting down the days until her session began and, according to her parents, had written in her journal just two days earlier: “I love it here so much. I never want to leave.”
That sentiment—so common among Camp Mystic girls—makes her loss all the more profound for those in the tight-knit camp community.
Search Efforts Continue
Though recovery teams have made progress in locating some of the missing, at least 19 campers and two staff members remain unaccounted for as of Sunday morning. The ongoing search operation includes:
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Texas Game Wardens and DPS aviation units deploying infrared-equipped helicopters
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National Guard high-water vehicles patrolling riverbanks
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Dive teams working in hazardous conditions to search submerged areas
Major General Thomas M. Suelzer confirmed that 167 individuals had been rescued by air, and dozens more were pulled from flooded areas on foot. However, dangerous terrain, washed-out bridges, and debris continue to hamper access to key areas of the camp and downstream communities.
A Community in Mourning
Tributes have begun to pour in across social media and from the Camp Mystic alumni community, many of whom are organizing virtual prayer vigils, GoFundMe support pages, and memorial services for victims like Lila.
Camp Mystic’s directors have not yet issued an official statement about Lila’s death, but sources close to the camp leadership confirmed that counselors, staff, and medical personnel are working around the clock to support the surviving children and assist families with reunification.
A Call for Compassion
Governor Abbott has reiterated his call for the public’s compassion and patience as the situation unfolds. “We must rally around these families,” he said at a Saturday press conference. “They have experienced unthinkable loss. Lila Bonner’s death—and the deaths of so many others—are reminders of the devastating power of nature and the importance of community resilience in times of tragedy.”
Remembering the Lost, Holding Onto Hope
As Texas reels from the deadliest flooding event in decades, Lila Bonner’s story stands as a heartbreaking symbol of innocence lost. And yet, her life—filled with laughter, friendship, and summer joy—will not be forgotten.
To those still searching for their loved ones, Lila’s family offers this message:
“We are holding onto hope for every child and counselor still missing. Please do not stop praying. We feel your love, and we believe that even in darkness, light finds a way to shine through.”
As the sun rises over the devastated Texas Hill Country, families and rescuers alike cling to that hope.
For those with information regarding missing individuals or who wish to contribute to rescue or recovery efforts, contact the Kerr County Emergency Operations Center at (830) 257-8200.