Texas Camp Horror: Bracelet From 1 of 27 Girls Found Hanging on Tree Branch – Was This a Signal or a Goodbye?
On July 14, 2025, a chilling new clue emerged in the search for 27 missing girls from Camp Mystic in Central Texas: a handmade friendship bracelet, believed to belong to one of the campers, was found dangling from a tree branch 0.7 miles from the flood-ravaged camp. The discovery, made amid ongoing searches following the July 8, 2025, flooding, adds to a growing list of haunting clues—a waterproof notebook, a stuffed toy with a GPS device, and a cell phone with a voice note. The bracelet, woven with colorful beads and a small charm, has left investigators and families grappling with whether it was a desperate signal for help or a heartbreaking farewell.
The Discovery
The bracelet was spotted by a search and rescue volunteer, Rachel Nguyen, during a sweep of a wooded area near Camp Mystic. The tree, a sturdy oak overlooking Willow Creek, stood in a relatively dry patch, suggesting the bracelet was placed after the floodwaters receded. The bracelet’s beads spelled out “Lila,” potentially linking it to Lila Thompson, an 11-year-old among the missing. Its deliberate placement—tied tightly to the branch—has raised questions about its intent.
“It wasn’t just caught there; it was tied on purpose,” Nguyen told reporters. “It felt like someone wanted it to be seen.” The bracelet is now with forensic teams, who are testing it for DNA and examining the knot for clues about how it was secured.
Context: A Pattern of Clues
The flooding of Camp Mystic, caused by 12 inches of rain in 48 hours, left the camp in ruins and claimed 32 lives, including three young campers. Twenty-seven girls remain unaccounted for, and each new clue has intensified the search. The notebook’s “Don’t forget Campfire Song” message, the GPS-equipped stuffed toy, and the cell phone’s voice note about “getting higher” suggest the girls may have fled to higher ground. The bracelet’s location near the creek, yet above flood level, supports this theory.
Theories and Speculation
The bracelet has sparked intense debate:
1. A Signal for Rescue
The leading theory is that the bracelet was tied to the tree as a marker for rescuers. Its bright colors and prominent placement suggest it was meant to be noticed, possibly by Lila or another camper signaling their location. The knot’s complexity indicates it was secured with care, not haste.
2. A Final Goodbye
A more somber possibility is that the bracelet was left as a farewell, perhaps by a camper who feared they wouldn’t survive. The personal nature of the friendship bracelet, often exchanged among campers, carries emotional weight, leading some to fear it marks a tragic end. On X, a user posted, “That bracelet feels like a goodbye. I hope I’m wrong.”
3. A Connection to the Campfire Song
Some link the bracelet to the “Campfire Song” referenced in the notebook, speculating it was part of a camp ritual. Former campers recall exchanging bracelets during sing-alongs, suggesting the bracelet could be another clue in a trail left by the girls. The charm, shaped like a small flame, has fueled this theory.
Official Response
Sheriff Laura Bennett addressed the find on July 14, 2025: “The bracelet is a critical piece of evidence. We’re analyzing it to confirm its owner and determine its significance.” Search teams are focusing on the wooded area near the tree, hoping to find more signs of the girls.
Community Reaction
The bracelet has struck a chord with families and locals. “Lila made that bracelet at camp last year,” said her father, Michael Thompson. “Seeing it gives us hope, but it’s also terrifying.” On X, #CampMysticBracelet is trending, with users sharing stories of camp friendships and urging searchers to “follow the clues.”
What’s Next?
The bracelet, like the notebook and GPS toy, suggests the girls may have left a trail. As investigators analyze its origins and search the surrounding woods, the tiny flame charm shines as a symbol of hope—and a reminder of the urgent need to find the 27 missing girls.