Authorities and families continue to search for two local elementary school girls—Eloise Peck, 10, and Lila Bonner, 9—who went missing during severe flooding at Camp Mystic, located just north of Dallas, Texas. The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, July 4, when torrential rains overwhelmed the campgrounds and nearby creek banks.
Camp Mystic had been hosting a weekend retreat for families and school-age children when the creek suddenly burst its banks, inundating the low-lying area near the girls’ cabin. Camp counselors report that the floodwaters rose rapidly, catching many off guard. In the confusion, both Eloise and Lila went missing and have not been seen since. As of Friday afternoon, July 5 at 2 p.m., neither child has been located, their mothers confirmed to local outlet KSAT.
The disappearance of the two young girls has shaken the local community. Search-and-rescue teams—including county, state, and volunteer personnel with dogs and swift-water rescue units—are combing through flooded trails, cabins, campsites, and stretches of the nearby creek. Aerial drones are assisting in the operation, which has continued around the clock since the alarm was raised.
Family members and close friends gathered nearby, praying and holding vigils, holding onto hope for a miraculous outcome. In a heartbreaking acknowledgment of the situation, Eloise’s mother told KSAT they remain “hopeful yet terrified,” underlining the perilous conditions caused by the floodwaters .
Camp Mystic’s operators have temporarily suspended all activities and are fully cooperating with rescuers. Local authorities say they are investigating how such a sudden flood occurred and whether proper warning systems were in place.
Area schools and community leaders have rallied in support, offering resources for the search and organizing prayer services at local churches. Meanwhile, social media has lit up with shared images—courtesy of Eloise’s mom—for public awareness .
As the search enters a critical second day, officials remind residents to stay clear of unstable banks and rapidly rising water. They also urge anyone with information—even seemingly insignificant sightings—to immediately contact the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.
Mayor Eric Johnson issued a statement urging calm and support: “We’re a community that stands together in hope and prayer,” he said. “Our hearts are with these families tonight.”
2. Search Intensifies for Dallas-Area Girls Missing After Camp Mystic Flash Flood
A growing band of volunteers and emergency responders are joining the desperate search for missing children Eloise Peck, 10, and Lila Bonner, 9, after a flash flood ripped through Camp Mystic in the Dallas area early Thursday morning. Heavy rains on July 4 caused a nearby creek to overflow, catching campers off guard and sweeping away multiple objects—including prized equipment and personal belongings.
Survivors and counselors recount “chaotic scenes” as the floodwaters surged in, with many seeking higher ground as quickly as possible. In the scramble, both Eloise and Lila vanished. Families later confirmed to KSAT that the girls were last seen together exiting their cabin as the flood struck and have not yet been found (instagram.com).
A commanding base has been set up near the camp, serving as an operational hub and gathering place for relatives. Coordinated divers, canine search-and-rescue teams, boats, and drones are meticulously scouring the creek and surrounding woods. The search is being led by the Collin County Office of Emergency Management, with full cooperation from Dallas County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and volunteer organizations.
Local pastor John Hernandez, who attended an evening vigil, shared, “Parents are praying, children singing, and the entire community is gravely hopeful.” Schools in the area distributed mental-health resources to students and staff affected by the incident.
Camp Mystic management has pledged full support for the ongoing efforts and is conducting its own internal investigation into weather alerts and evacuation readiness at the site.
In addition to the public plea, Eloise’s mother released a photo and heartfelt message via X (formerly Twitter), hoping that increased visibility will aid recovery (x.com). After overnight rainfall, operations resumed at first light Friday to take advantage of better visibility.
As the clock ticks, the response remains urgent and emotionally charged. There is mounting concern that floodwaters may have swept the girls downstream, potentially displacing them by several miles from the initial flood zone.
County officials urge anyone who may have passed through the affected waterways—such as kayakers, joggers, or walkers—to check for unfamiliar items or clothing left behind in flooded areas. Even the smallest clue could prove vital.
The search is entering its third continuous day, with hopes still alive and momentum growing. Investigators also plan to analyze local weather station data to understand the exact nature of the flash flood and whether early warnings could have been more effective.
In this critical moment, the combined prayers, vigilance, and solidarity of families, agencies, and neighbors offer the best hope for finding Eloise and Lila safe.