KERRVILLE, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday commemorated the first anniversary of the deadly Texas Hill Country flooding in Kerrville, honoring the victims and recognizing the resilience of the communities affected by the disaster.
Abbott opened his remarks by reflecting on the nation’s 250th anniversary before addressing what he called the Hill Country’s “darkest Fourth of July.”
He described the courage shown by Texans during and after the disaster and later read the names of those who died in the flooding.
More than 130 people died across several Central Texas counties after storms dropped more than 20 inches of rain within hours beginning late on July 3, 2025.
Most of the fatalities occurred in Kerr County, including at Camp Mystic near Hunt. Floodwaters from the Guadalupe River swept through the all-girls Christian summer camp, killing 25 campers, two teenage counselors and longtime camp director Dick Eastland.
Camp Mystic initially sought to reopen for the 2026 season but later withdrew its application for an operating license.
The camp also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing at least $10 million in liabilities. The filing halted active wrongful death and negligence lawsuits filed by victims’ families.
