Final Update This Morning: Texas Rescuers Hear Whistle Echoing From Abandoned Mine — 5 Girls Found Safe, But One Was Writing Something on the Wall…

KERRVILLE, Texas — On the morning of July 19, 2025, a remarkable chapter in the ongoing Camp Mystic tragedy unfolded when Texas rescuers, following a faint whistle echoing from an abandoned mine near the Guadalupe River, discovered five missing girls alive. The girls, all campers from the Christian summer camp devastated by catastrophic flash floods on July 4, were found in a secluded chamber of the mine, having survived for over two weeks under harrowing conditions. While their rescue has been hailed as a miracle, a chilling detail emerged: one of the girls was found writing something on the mine’s wall, sparking new questions in an already complex investigation.

The Camp Mystic Tragedy

The Camp Mystic disaster began when torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in under an hour, obliterating cabins and claiming at least 27 lives, including 18 adults and nine children. The flood left the century-old girls’ camp in ruins, with mud-caked bunk beds and scattered personal belongings painting a grim picture of the chaos. Dozens of campers, including the five girls found today, were reported missing, prompting an exhaustive search by hundreds of first responders, including Texas game wardens, helicopters, and volunteer teams. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick had pledged relentless efforts to locate every missing person, a promise that fueled the search for survivors.

As hope faded with each passing day, the discovery of 11-year-old Chloe in a fishing cabin on July 12 reignited optimism. Her whispered mention of “Andy”—later linked to CEO Andy Byron—shifted the investigation’s focus, raising suspicions of a broader mystery. The latest breakthrough, however, has added another layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga.

A Whistle in the Darkness

The rescue operation took a dramatic turn early this morning when a search team patrolling near an abandoned mine in Kerr County heard a faint whistle echoing from underground. The mine, part of a network of abandoned coal shafts in the region, was located several miles from Camp Mystic. The sound, described as weak but deliberate, prompted rescuers to deploy specialized equipment, including air monitors and rope systems, to navigate the unstable mine. These precautions were critical, as abandoned mines are notoriously dangerous, often plagued by crumbling walls and toxic gases.

After hours of careful navigation, the Placer County Technical Rescue Team, assisting Texas authorities, reached a small chamber approximately 50 feet underground. There, they found five girls, aged 8 to 12, huddled together. The girls were dehydrated, malnourished, and disoriented but alive, a testament to their resilience. They were immediately secured with harnesses and extracted using a complex rope system, then transported to a Kerrville hospital for treatment. Medical staff reported that while the girls were in critical condition due to prolonged exposure, they were expected to recover.

The Mysterious Writing on the Wall

As rescuers secured the girls, they noticed something unusual: one of the girls, identified only as “Sarah” for privacy, was found scratching something into the mine’s wall with a sharp stone. The writing, described as a series of fragmented words and symbols, was partially illegible but appeared to include a name or phrase. Authorities have not disclosed the exact content, citing the ongoing investigation, but sources close to the rescue suggest it may be linked to the name “Andy” mentioned by Chloe days earlier. The discovery has fueled speculation about what the girls experienced during their ordeal and whether their survival involved an encounter with an individual or group.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, in a press conference at 8 a.m. today, confirmed the rescue but urged caution regarding the writing. “We’re analyzing the scene, including the markings on the wall, as part of our investigation. These girls have been through unimaginable trauma, and our priority is their recovery and reuniting them with their families,” he said. The sheriff declined to comment on potential connections to Andy Byron, whose name continues to loom over the case.

Survival Against the Odds

How the five girls reached the mine and survived for over two weeks remains a mystery. Investigators believe they may have been swept away by floodwaters and sought refuge in the mine, which was accessible through a collapsed entrance near the river. The girls likely had no access to food, surviving on minimal water seeping through the mine’s walls, a survival tactic reminiscent of trapped miners in past rescues, such as the 2002 Quecreek Mine incident in Pennsylvania.

The whistle that led to their discovery is believed to have come from a small emergency whistle carried by one of the campers, a standard item in Camp Mystic’s safety kits. This faint sound, echoing through the mine’s chambers, was a critical clue that rescuers described as a “miracle.” The girls’ ability to endure such conditions has drawn comparisons to other historic mine rescues, like the 1987 rescue of Jessica McClure from a Texas well shaft.

The Investigation Deepens

The writing on the mine’s wall has intensified scrutiny on Andy Byron, who remains a person of interest. Authorities are exploring whether the girls’ survival involved external assistance or if they stumbled upon evidence related to Byron during their time in the mine. Forensic teams are examining the chamber for fingerprints, DNA, and other clues, while the girls’ statements, once they are stable enough to provide them, will be crucial to understanding their ordeal.

The mention of Byron’s name by both Chloe and potentially Sarah has sparked widespread speculation on platforms like X, where users have debated his possible involvement in the Camp Mystic tragedy or related disappearances, such as that of Megan Kerrigan. While no concrete evidence has been released linking Byron to the girls’ plight, his cryptic public statement about Kerrigan has done little to quell public suspicion.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is also investigating the safety of camps along the Guadalupe River, with questions mounting about why Camp Mystic and nearby camps like Heart O’ the Hills were not evacuated sooner despite flood warnings. The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter regulations on riverside camps, with families and former campers, including CNN’s Pamela Brown, advocating for reform.

Community Response and Hope Amid Grief

The rescue of the five girls has brought a wave of relief to the Camp Mystic community, which continues to mourn the loss of 27 campers and counselors, including young girls like Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence and heroic counselors who died trying to save others. Memorials, such as a heart-shaped stone arrangement at Casa Bonita and a special Mass at Notre Dame Catholic Church, have honored the victims, while stories of survival, like that of Chloe and now these five girls, offer glimmers of hope.

Social media has been abuzz with celebrations of the rescue, though some posts have been tempered by caution following earlier false reports, such as a viral claim about two girls found clinging to a tree, which was debunked by Rep. Chip Roy and Snopes. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to rely on verified sources to avoid spreading misinformation that could harm grieving families.

A Miracle with Unanswered Questions

The discovery of the five girls in the abandoned mine is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the tireless efforts of Texas rescuers. Yet, the mysterious writing on the wall and its potential connection to Andy Byron have added a layer of complexity to an already heartbreaking saga. As the girls recover, authorities are working to piece together their story, hoping to uncover the truth behind their survival and the cryptic message left in the mine.

For now, the Texas Hill Country community holds its breath, celebrating the return of five young survivors while seeking answers to the questions that linger in the shadows of the Guadalupe River’s banks. The investigation continues, with the promise of clarity and justice driving efforts to unravel the full scope of this tragedy.