HUNT, TX — Before the floodwaters consumed Camp Mystic in a sudden, violent surge, silencing 27 lives and leaving a community shattered, 9-year-old Janie Hunt held tight to a single treasure — a small, beaded necklace. Crafted with love by her grandmother, it spelled out J-A-N-I-E in colorful, childlike letters.
That necklace, a simple keepsake, would become the heartbreaking clue that led rescue teams to Janie’s body days later. Found nestled in the wreckage near the banks of the Guadalupe River, the necklace was still clasped around her neck — a fragile but enduring connection to the life she lived and the people who loved her.
A Summer Camp Adventure Turns Into a Nightmare
Janie Hunt had been at Camp Mystic for just five days. It was her first time away from home, a big milestone for a little girl eager to spend time with her cousins and make new friends under the warm Texas sun.
Located along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, Camp Mystic has long been a beloved summer destination, known for its scenic beauty, horseback riding, canoeing, and close-knit community. But in early June, what began as a week of childhood adventure quickly turned into one of the deadliest flood events in Texas in recent memory.
Unrelenting rainfall overwhelmed the riverbanks. Within hours, what had been a manageable current transformed into a violent torrent, catching campers and staff off guard. Roads disappeared under water. Cabins crumbled. Vehicles were swept away. In the chaos, dozens of children and counselors found themselves trapped — including Janie.
A Necklace That Told Her Story
For Janie, the necklace wasn’t just jewelry. It was her bravery charm, a gift from her grandmother, Margaret Hunt, after Janie starred in her school’s spring play just a month earlier.
“She wore it every day,” Margaret recalled tearfully. “It made her feel special. It made her feel safe.”
When search and rescue teams discovered a child’s body days after the storm, it was that necklace that helped identify her. “That’s how they knew it was our Janie,” Margaret said. “Even in the end, she was wearing it. That necklace helped bring her back to us.”
A Child’s Final Acts of Kindness
Janie’s family later learned that in her final days, their daughter had spent her time at camp being what she always was — a helper. She comforted younger campers who missed their parents. She helped counselors gather supplies when the weather turned bad. And she was last seen smiling through the storm, telling others not to be afraid.
“She was always that kind of child,” said her mother, Holly Hunt. “She didn’t just worry about herself. She wanted everyone else to be okay.”
Janie was found near the body of Camp Mystic’s longtime owner, Dick Eastland, who died trying to rescue children as the floodwaters rose. Eastland, a revered figure in the Texas camp community, reportedly made multiple rescue attempts before being swept away. His proximity to Janie’s body has led many to believe he was trying to save her in his final moments.
Deadly Texas Flood Claims 27 Lives
The flood that devastated Camp Mystic is part of a larger disaster that claimed 27 lives across the region, with more still missing. The National Weather Service reported that over 12 inches of rain fell within 48 hours, turning low-lying areas into deadly traps.
Governor statements, emergency declarations, and a coordinated effort from FEMA, the Texas National Guard, and local fire departments have followed. Still, the emotional toll is incalculable.
Camp Mystic is now closed indefinitely as investigations continue and families grieve.
Grieving the Loss, Honoring the Legacy
Janie Hunt’s funeral will be held this week in her hometown of Kerrville, where the community has rallied to support the family. Her school is planning a memorial garden in her honor, and local artists are creating a mosaic inspired by the necklace that meant so much to her.
“She will always be remembered — not just for how she died, but for how she lived,” said family friend Anna Martinez. “That necklace was her anchor. But her heart — that was her true light.”
A Community Demands Action and Answers
As the community mourns, many are asking how a well-established summer camp could have been caught so unprepared. Were evacuation procedures clear? Were warning systems activated in time?
Parents, lawmakers, and advocacy groups are calling for updated flood response protocols, improved camp safety standards, and weather alert systems that better protect children in outdoor environments.
“This cannot happen again,” said State Senator Maria Cantu, who is proposing legislation to require all Texas youth camps to maintain flood evacuation plans and participate in annual emergency drills.
Mental Health Resources for Survivors and Families
This tragedy has had a profound psychological impact on survivors, first responders, and families. Experts stress the importance of trauma-informed care, especially for children who witnessed the disaster.
Resources are available for families and individuals affected:
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: www.nctsn.org
- Mental Health America – Texas Chapter: www.mhatexas.org
In Memory of Janie Hunt: A Light That Still Shines
Though her life was cut heartbreakingly short, Janie Hunt’s story continues to touch thousands. Her necklace, a symbol of innocence and courage, reminds us all of the preciousness of life and the strength of a child’s spirit in the face of disaster.
“She was only nine,” said Margaret. “But in those nine years, she gave us more love and light than most people do in a lifetime.”
