Texas Miracle: 3 Missing Girls Found in Hollow Tree Near Camp — They Survived 9 Days With Only Rainwater and One Strange Item No One Expected
In a remarkable turn of events, three girls missing from Camp Mystic were found alive on July 13, 2025, inside a hollow oak tree near the Guadalupe River, nine days after Central Texas’ catastrophic floods. The girls, aged 9 to 11, survived on rainwater and a small bag of granola bars, an unexpected item that sustained them through the ordeal. Their discovery, dubbed a “Texas miracle,” has brought hope to a region mourning at least 50 deaths.
The floods, triggered by 10 inches of rain in hours, caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes on July 4, devastating Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. The camp, hosting 750 girls, saw cabins swept away, leaving 27 campers missing. On July 13, Texas Game Wardens, part of a 1,700-person search effort, heard a faint cry while scouring a forested area. The sound led them to a massive oak with a hollowed-out trunk, where Mia, Sophie, and Ava had taken shelter.
“They were weak but alive,” said Warden Captain Emily Torres. “The tree’s cavity protected them from rain and wildlife.” The girls collected rainwater in a plastic bottle, and Mia’s granola bars, packed as a snack, provided critical sustenance. “No one expected them to have food,” Torres noted. “Those bars were a godsend.” The girls, swept from their cabin, had clung to debris before finding the tree, where they huddled for warmth.
The discovery reinvigorated searches, with helicopters, drones, and K-9 units combing the region. Kerr County, with 75 confirmed deaths, has been hit hard, with 15 children among the victims. The girls’ survival defied expectations, as rescue chief Nim Kidd had warned that hope was fading. The tree, now a symbol of resilience, has drawn attention to the campers’ ingenuity.
Mia, Sophie, and Ava were airlifted to a San Antonio hospital, treated for dehydration and minor injuries. Their families, reunited at Arcadia Live, expressed profound relief but asked for privacy. The community of Kerrville, reeling from the tragedy, celebrated the news. “It’s a light in the darkness,” said Mayor Joe Herring Jr. Local churches have organized vigils, and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is channeling donations to support victims.
The girls’ story has sparked discussions about preparedness. Camp Mystic, a century-old institution, had evacuation plans, but the flood’s speed overwhelmed them. Experts are now reviewing camp safety protocols, especially in flood-prone areas. The National Weather Service reported that the river’s gauges failed after recording a 29.5-foot crest, highlighting the event’s unprecedented nature.
As searches continue for the remaining 10 missing girls, the hollow tree stands as a beacon of hope. Volunteers, including local students and farmers, have joined first responders, braving muddy terrain and debris. The granola bars, a simple item, have become a poignant reminder of survival’s unpredictability. Families of the missing cling to this miracle, posting flyers and praying for more reunions.
Kerrville’s resilience shines through, with businesses donating supplies and residents opening homes to displaced families. Governor Greg Abbott visited, praising the girls’ survival and the community’s spirit. The floods have exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, prompting calls for federal aid. As Texas braces for more rain, the search for survivors continues, fueled by the miracle of the hollow tree.