Kellyanne Lytal, 8-Year-Old Camp Mystic Camper, Tragically Found Deceased After July 4th Flash Floods in Texas Hill Country
With deepest sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news that Kellyanne Lytal, a vibrant and deeply loved 8-year-old camper from Camp Mystic, has been found and has tragically passed away following the devastating flash floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country on July 4th, 2025. Her passing is an unimaginable loss—not only for her family, but for her fellow campers, counselors, and a broader community that cherished her sweet spirit.
💔 A Tragedy in the Heart of Texas
The Fourth of July, a day traditionally filled with celebration and joy, was struck by catastrophe as torrential rains led to rapid and deadly flooding across the Hill Country region. Among the areas hit hardest was the beloved Camp Mystic, nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas—a place where generations of girls have come to grow, laugh, and build lifelong friendships.
When the floodwaters began rising with terrifying speed, chaos and fear followed. Emergency crews were deployed swiftly, and counselors did all they could to move campers to safety. Still, despite every effort, several children went missing in the sudden surge. Among them was little Kellyanne.
After days of tireless searching, with rescue teams and volunteers braving the treacherous conditions, hope turned to heartbreak when authorities confirmed that Kellyanne’s body had been recovered. She had been swept away by the floodwaters—taken far too soon.
🕊️ Remembering Kellyanne
Kellyanne Lytal was the embodiment of joy. Known for her radiant smile, boundless energy, and gentle heart, she brought light wherever she went. At just eight years old, she had already touched the lives of so many—with her kindness, her infectious giggle, and her love for singing camp songs under the stars.
She adored her time at Camp Mystic, where she had returned this summer for a second year. Her favorite activities were swimming in the river, making crafts with her friends, and performing skits on Talent Night. She was the kind of camper who befriended anyone, comforted homesick cabinmates, and always volunteered to help clean up after meals—not because she had to, but because that was her heart.
Her counselors describe her as “a gift to everyone who knew her.” Camp friends say she was “always smiling, always helping, and always dreaming big.”
👨👩👧 A Family’s Unbearable Loss
Kellyanne was the treasured daughter of Greg and Heather Lytal, who have shared their daughter’s love of nature, adventure, and community with all who knew them. In the wake of this tragedy, they have expressed profound gratitude for the prayers, messages, and acts of support they’ve received, while also asking for continued privacy as they grieve their beloved daughter.
“Kellyanne had the most beautiful soul we’ve ever known. Her laughter filled every room, her kindness knew no limits, and her curiosity was as wide as the sky. We are utterly broken, but deeply thankful for the love that surrounded her in her short but magical life.”
The Lytal family is currently working to establish a memorial scholarship fund in Kellyanne’s name to support future campers, particularly those from under-resourced communities, so that other girls might experience the same joy and community Kellyanne loved so deeply.
🌧️ A Community in Mourning
The Camp Mystic family, and indeed the entire Texas summer camp community, has been shaken to its core. Vigils have been held across the state, with campers lighting candles and singing Kellyanne’s favorite hymns under twilight skies. Messages of remembrance and solidarity have poured in from parents, alumni, and supporters around the country.
The camp has suspended activities and is offering grief counseling for both campers and staff. Plans for a memorial ceremony on-site are currently underway, where Kellyanne’s life will be honored not with silence, but with song, laughter, and love—the very things she gave so freely.
🌟 Her Light Lives On
Though her life was heartbreakingly brief, Kellyanne Lytal’s impact was immeasurable. She was a friend, a daughter, a camper, a light. Her spirit lives on in every girl singing at campfire, in the ripples of the Guadalupe River, and in the hearts of those who will never forget her.
We mourn the beautiful child we lost and honor the legacy she leaves behind—a legacy of joy, kindness, courage, and love.
Rest in eternal peace, sweet Kellyanne. Your laughter echoes in the hills, your spirit dances in the wildflowers, and your memory will never fade.