TEXAS STORM TWIST: Helicopter Deployed for Flash Flood Surveillance Finds Unlisted Shelter in Forest — Inside: 5 Survivors, One Holding a Camera That Hasn’t Stopped Recording Since Day 1

Kerr County, Texas — July 19, 2025
In a remarkable development in the ongoing search for survivors of the catastrophic Central Texas flash floods that struck on July 4, 2025, a Texas National Guard helicopter conducting surveillance over the Guadalupe River basin has discovered an unlisted shelter hidden deep within a forested area near Hunt, Texas. Inside the makeshift structure, rescuers found five survivors from Camp Mystic, including one girl clutching a waterproof action camera that has been recording continuously since the night of the disaster. This discovery, announced late this evening by Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, offers a new lead in the search for the six missing girls—Eloise Peck, Lainey Landry, Greta Toranzo, Lila Bonner, Molly DeWitt, and Virginia Hollis—while raising questions about the identity of the sixth individual suggested by earlier findings of nine footprints and a whispered audio signal.

A Hidden Refuge in the Forest

The shelter was spotted at approximately 3:45 PM today by a National Guard MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras. The crew, part of a round-the-clock surveillance operation, noticed an anomaly in a densely wooded area roughly two miles from the hillside cave system where nine footprints were found earlier today and whisper-level audio of “I am here” was detected over the past three nights. The shelter, constructed from fallen branches, tarps, and salvaged camp supplies, was camouflaged under a canopy of oak and cedar trees, making it nearly invisible from the ground.

Upon landing, the helicopter crew and a ground team discovered five girls, all confirmed to be campers from Camp Mystic, aged 10 to 15. The survivors, identified as Eloise Peck, Lainey Landry, Greta Toranzo, Lila Bonner, and Molly DeWitt, were dehydrated and malnourished but alive, having sustained themselves on rainwater and scavenged food from camp debris. One of the girls, 15-year-old Greta Toranzo, was holding a GoPro-style camera, its battery still operational, which she reported had been recording since the floodwaters hit the camp at approximately 1:30 AM on July 4. “She wouldn’t let go of it,” said Major General Thomas M. Suelzer, commander of the Texas National Guard. “She said it was her way of documenting everything in case they weren’t found.”

The shelter’s discovery has sparked renewed hope in the search for the sixth missing girl, Virginia Hollis, as well as answers to the mysterious ninth footprint and the whispered audio detected in the nearby caves. The five girls were airlifted to Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville, where they are receiving treatment for minor injuries, exposure, and trauma. Their families, who have endured over two weeks of uncertainty, were notified and are reuniting with them tonight.

The Camera: A Window into Survival

The camera held by Greta Toranzo is now in the hands of investigators, who are analyzing its footage to piece together the girls’ ordeal. Preliminary reviews indicate the device captured hours of video, beginning with the chaotic evacuation of Camp Mystic as floodwaters surged through the cabins. The footage reportedly includes scenes of the girls fleeing to higher ground, their efforts to build the shelter, and their daily struggles to survive in the wilderness. “This camera could be a game-changer,” said Sheriff Leitha. “It might show us where they’ve been, who they’ve been with, and what happened to the others.”

The continuous recording, powered by a solar-charged battery pack, also raises the possibility that it captured clues about the ninth set of footprints found leading into the nearby cave system. Authorities are particularly interested in whether the footage shows an additional individual—potentially an adult or older teenager—who may have assisted or encountered the girls. The audio of “I am here,” detected nightly at 1:30 AM and matching an entry in a journal belonging to Harper Lawrence, sister of two deceased campers, suggests a connection to the sixth missing girl, Virginia Hollis, who may still be in the caves.

Context of the Crisis

The flash floods, triggered by a torrential downpour of up to 10 inches of rain in a few hours, caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes, devastating Camp Mystic and surrounding areas in Kerr County. The disaster has claimed at least 120 lives, with 87 deaths reported in Kerr County alone, including 30 children. Over 1,700 responders, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas National Guard, and volunteers, have conducted 850 rescues, with 237 people airlifted to safety. The discovery of the five survivors brings the number of missing from Camp Mystic down to one, but the search continues for Virginia Hollis and others unaccounted for in the region.

The shelter’s location near the cave system where footprints and audio were detected suggests the girls may have moved between the two sites, possibly seeking better protection from the elements. The ninth footprint, described as larger and deeper, remains a focal point of investigation. Theories include an unreported survivor, a volunteer rescuer, or an unknown individual, though authorities have found no evidence of foul play. The audio signal, believed to be Virginia Hollis adhering to a camp pact to say “I am here” if lost, indicates she may be nearby, potentially in the caves.

Community and Official Response

The discovery of the five survivors has brought a wave of relief to Kerr County, where communities have been grappling with grief and loss. “This is a miracle,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, who witnessed the devastation firsthand during a helicopter tour. “These girls showed incredible resilience, and we’re praying Virginia is still out there.” Vigils in Kerrville, San Antonio, and beyond continue, with families and former campers sharing stories of hope and survival on social media.

Governor Greg Abbott, who expanded the state’s disaster declaration to include additional counties, praised the rescue teams and vowed to continue the search for Virginia and others. “These girls are fighters, and their survival gives us strength to keep going,” he said in a statement. “We’re deploying every resource to follow the clues from the camera and the cave audio.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided additional equipment, including advanced drones and caving gear, to assist in the ongoing efforts.

Challenges and Next Steps

The search for Virginia Hollis is now focused on the cave system, where the whispered audio and footprints were detected. The terrain, marked by narrow passages and flood risks, poses significant challenges. Teams are using thermal drones and the acoustic sensor that captured the “I am here” audio to pinpoint her location. The camera footage, currently being analyzed by forensic experts, may provide critical details about her whereabouts or the identity of the ninth individual. Meteorologists warn of potential showers in the coming days, which could complicate cave exploration.

The survivors’ accounts, once they are stable enough to speak with investigators, will also be crucial. Early reports indicate the girls worked together to build the shelter, using skills learned at Camp Mystic, such as knot-tying and resource scavenging. Greta’s decision to keep the camera running, inspired by a desire to “tell their story,” has provided a rare glimpse into their survival strategy and may yet guide rescuers to Virginia.

A Community’s Hope and Resilience

The discovery of the shelter and the five survivors has reignited hope in a region battered by loss. Stories of heroism, like that of Coast Guard swimmer Scott Ruskan, who rescued 165 people from Camp Mystic, and the resilience of survivors like 13-year-old Elinor Lester, who was airlifted to safety, have inspired the community. Yet, the tragedy remains raw, with families like that of 8-year-old Linnie McCown and 18-year-old counselor Chloe Childress mourning loved ones lost to the floods.

As investigators analyze the camera footage and search teams probe the caves, the nation holds its breath for news of Virginia Hollis. The whispered “I am here,” the nine footprints, and now the shelter with five survivors and a recording camera have transformed this tragedy into a story of survival and mystery. “These girls are showing us what courage looks like,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “We’re following every lead to bring Virginia home and solve the puzzle of that ninth footprint.” The camera, still recording when found, may hold the final clues to this unfolding saga in the Texas Hill Country.