OFFICIAL TEXAS STATEMENT: Search Team Discovers Set of Footprints Leading Into Hillside Caves — But There Were 9 Prints, Not 8…
Kerr County, Texas — July 19, 2025
In a perplexing development in the ongoing search for the six girls missing from Camp Mystic following the devastating Central Texas flash floods on July 4, 2025, a search team has uncovered a set of footprints leading into a series of hillside caves along the Guadalupe River. The discovery, announced this afternoon by the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, has added a new layer of mystery to the rescue efforts: the trail consists of nine distinct footprints, despite only eight being expected based on the number of missing girls and their last known group dynamics.
A Startling Find in the Wilderness
The footprints were discovered at approximately 10:45 AM today by a ground team comprising Texas National Guard members, local volunteers, and K-9 units. The team was scouring a rugged, wooded area near the riverbank, roughly three miles from where a helicopter crew spotted a flickering light from a mirror at 2:14 AM this morning—a signal believed to have been made by one of the six missing girls: Eloise Peck, Lainey Landry, Greta Toranzo, Lila Bonner, Molly DeWitt, or Virginia Hollis. The footprints, found in soft, muddy terrain near the entrance to a limestone cave system, appear to be fresh, likely made within the last 24 hours due to recent rainfall in the area.
What has baffled authorities is the number of footprints. “We expected to find tracks consistent with the six girls, possibly with one or two counselors or other survivors, which would give us seven or eight prints at most,” said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha during a press conference. “But we’ve identified nine distinct sets, based on size, tread patterns, and stride. This raises questions we’re working urgently to answer.” The ninth set of prints, described as slightly larger and with a deeper impression, suggests the presence of an additional individual—possibly an adult or an older teenager—who was not previously accounted for in the group.
The Cave System: A New Frontier in the Search
The footprints lead directly into a series of interconnected caves, part of the extensive limestone formations common in the Texas Hill Country. These caves, some of which are narrow and prone to flooding, have not been fully explored due to their inaccessibility and the ongoing hazards posed by unstable terrain post-flood. The discovery has prompted authorities to deploy specialized caving teams, equipped with rappelling gear and thermal imaging, to navigate the treacherous passages.
“We’re treating this as a critical lead,” said Major General Thomas M. Suelzer of the Texas National Guard. “The caves could provide shelter, which might explain how someone survived this long. But they also pose significant risks—flash flooding, cave-ins, and limited oxygen in deeper sections. Our teams are moving cautiously but quickly.” The operation has been complicated by the recent heavy rains, which could cause water to surge through the cave system, potentially endangering both survivors and rescuers.
The connection to the earlier mirror sighting is still under investigation, but authorities believe the two discoveries are related. “The mirror signal came from an area less than a mile from these caves,” Sheriff Leitha noted. “It’s possible the girl who signaled us moved into the caves for protection, perhaps with others. The ninth set of prints is what’s throwing us—it could be a rescuer, a local, or someone else entirely.”
Theories and Speculation
The unexpected ninth set of footprints has sparked intense speculation among rescue teams and the public. Several theories are being considered:
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An Additional Survivor: The ninth print could belong to another camper or staff member not previously reported missing, or a local resident who joined the group after the flood. Camp Mystic’s records indicate all staff and campers were accounted for either as rescued, deceased, or among the six missing girls, but incomplete communication during the chaotic evacuation may have led to errors.
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A Rescuer or Volunteer: It’s possible that a volunteer or unauthorized searcher entered the area and left the additional prints. However, the search area has been restricted, and no known rescue teams were in that specific location prior to the discovery.
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An Unknown Individual: The most unsettling possibility is that the ninth set belongs to someone unrelated to the camp—a transient, looter, or even someone with ill intent. While authorities have downplayed this theory to avoid public panic, the ongoing mystery surrounding multiple bodies found in Austin’s Lady Bird Lake since 2022 has fueled local fears of foul play.
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A Natural Explanation: Some experts suggest the ninth print could be a result of an animal or a misidentification, though the distinct human tread pattern and size make this less likely. The search team has ruled out large wildlife, as no animal tracks were found in the vicinity.
Challenges in the Caves
The hillside caves, part of the region’s karst topography, are notoriously difficult to navigate. Similar to the San Esteban Rockshelter near Marfa, where a 6,500-year-old hunting kit was recently discovered, these caves are formed from eroded limestone and can contain tight passages, vertical drops, and unstable surfaces. The search teams are drawing on expertise from speleologists familiar with Texas cave systems, such as those at Natural Bridge Caverns, where fossilized cat tracks and skeletons have been found in similar environments.
“The caves are a double-edged sword,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a geologist assisting with the search. “They could have provided shelter from the floodwaters, but they’re also prone to sudden flooding, especially after the recent storms. We’re using drones to map the entrances and sending in teams with oxygen monitors to ensure safety.” The presence of footprints leading into the caves suggests the girls may have sought refuge there, possibly guided by an older individual, but the conditions inside remain a significant concern.
Community and Official Response
The discovery has renewed hope among the families of the missing girls, who have endured nearly two weeks of uncertainty. “This is the first real sign that my daughter might still be out there,” said Margaret Peck, mother of Eloise, in a statement to local media. “But the ninth footprint—it’s confusing. We just want answers.” Vigils continue in Kerrville and San Antonio, with community members rallying to support the search efforts through donations and volunteer coordination.
Governor Greg Abbott, who visited the flood-stricken area on July 8, issued a statement today: “The State of Texas is deploying every available resource to follow this lead. Our prayers are with the families, and we remain committed to bringing these girls home.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), criticized for delayed deployments in the initial response, has now mobilized additional urban search and rescue teams to assist in the cave exploration.
A Race Against Time
As night falls on July 19, search teams are working around the clock, using floodlights and portable generators to illuminate the cave entrances. The weather forecast predicts scattered showers, raising fears of renewed flooding in the caves. The ninth footprint has added urgency to the mission, as it suggests the possibility of an additional person—friend or foe—who could hold the key to the girls’ fate.
“We’re not jumping to conclusions about the ninth print,” Sheriff Leitha emphasized. “Our focus is on finding these girls and anyone else who might be with them. We’re following the footprints, and we won’t stop until we know what’s in those caves.” The nation watches as this new clue unfolds, hoping it will lead to the safe return of Eloise, Lainey, Greta, Lila, Molly, and Virginia—and an explanation for the mysterious ninth set of tracks.