The final photo of 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla has become a symbol of both joy and heartbreak.
A Smiling Face, Hours Before Disaster
In a moment now etched into the hearts of many, the family of Renee Smajstrla, just eight years old, shared the last photo taken of her before tragedy struck. Clad in pink and beaming on the steps of Camp Mystic, Renee appeared to be soaking in the joy of summer camp life. Just hours later, deadly flash floods would sweep through the Texas Hill Country, claiming her life and many others.
Her uncle, Shawn Salta, wrote in a touching Facebook post:
“We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life… She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”
Salta also thanked the public for sharing Renee’s image during search efforts, saying the online outreach may have helped first responders identify her more quickly.
Nine Children Lost, Dozens Still Missing
Renee is one of at least nine children confirmed dead, including campers from Mystic and nearby areas affected by the floods.
The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, leaving little time for escape. Officials say at least 51 people have died, including 15 children with 27 girls from Camp Mystic still reported missing, along with additional individuals from the region.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said the majority of campers were moved to higher ground, but the scale of the disaster was unprecedented.
“Our first responders did all they could (and still are), but we really had no warnings… no one expected this,” a family member wrote on social media.
Campers Recount Terrifying Night
Survivors described scenes of chaos and courage. Elinor Lester, 13, recalled how floodwaters reached cabin doors as she and her friends were evacuated by helicopter.
“It was really scary,” she told CNN. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away.”
Camp leaders used ropes to guide children across a submerged bridge to safety.
Meanwhile at Camp La Junta, 14-year-old Wyndham Etheridge described waking to water rising beneath his bunk. Campers were surrounded by surging streams and waited overnight until they could be rescued.
Miracles Among the Tragedy
Amid the devastation, some stories offer glimmers of hope. One young girl, missing for hours, was found clinging to a mattress in the dark. Another survivor was airlifted to safety after being swept 20 miles downstream, found clutching a tree.
Congressman Chip Roy confirmed that one of the rescued children was a student at his own children’s school.
Search and Rescue Pushes On
As flash flood warnings remain in effect, over 1,000 responders, including helicopters, drones, and military vehicles, continue the search for survivors.
“We will not stop until every single person is found,” said the Kerr County Sheriff.
Authorities report that more than 850 people have been evacuated, including some rescued by boat and helicopter, as search efforts continue.
Remembering Renee
For now, the smiling image of Renee Smajstrla remains a powerful reminder of the young lives affected by this disaster. As her uncle wrote, she is now “in the best hands… with the man that created us.”
“Rest in peace, baby.”