Texas Flash Flood And Camp Mystic Disaster Victims Were 'All White' Says Former Houston Official - Was Her Comment Insensitive?

A devastating flash flood swept through Central Texas in early July 2025, killing at least 82 people and leaving dozens more missing. Among the worst-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls' camp in Kerr County, where floodwaters destroyed buildings and disrupted summer activities. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, remarks by a former Houston official about the racial makeup of the victims have drawn significant attention.

As the death toll from the Camp Mystic flash flood reached at least 12, a viral video from former Houston official Sade Perkins intensified public discourse. In the video, Perkins described Camp Mystic as a 'white-only girls' Christian camp,' claiming the media's attention was racially motivated.

'They don't even have a token Asian, they don't have a token Black person,' she said. 'If this were a group of Hispanic girls, this would not be getting this type of coverage.'

'All-White Camp' Comment Sparks Outrage

Her remarks were made as search operations continued for 11 missing campers and one counselor. Victims already identified include young girls and longtime camp director Richard 'Dick' Eastland.

Perkins, who previously served on Houston's Food Insecurity Board, defended her comments as a critique of racial bias in national media. But Houston Mayor John Whitmire called the remarks 'deeply inappropriate,' confirming she would not be reappointed to any city position.

Perkins' Camp Mystic Comment: Insensitive or Honest?

The video sparked mixed reactions across social media and among community leaders. Some civil rights advocates acknowledged the need to examine media bias in how national tragedies are covered, while others criticized the timing of Perkins' remarks as inappropriate during an ongoing emergency.

Media analysts, including those cited by outlets such as the Houston Chronicle and Fox News, say the backlash reflects the challenge of discussing racial disparities in media narratives while communities are still actively grieving. Critics argued that Perkins' comments appeared to politicize a moment of widespread loss, while supporters framed the comments as part of a necessary national dialogue.

Camp Mystic Rescue Operations Ongoing

Rescue and recovery missions remain underway throughout Kerr County and surrounding areas. Local, state, and federal teams have deployed helicopters, drones, boats, and canine units along the Guadalupe River to locate missing individuals.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a statewide day of prayer, while the White House issued a major disaster declaration to support relief and rebuilding efforts in the region.

Emergency officials are also reviewing the area's early warning and alert systems. Although the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings, many affected residents say they received limited or no advance notice before the water surged through their communities.

Who Were the Camp Mystic Flood Victims?

As more details emerge, families and community members have begun sharing stories of the lives lost. Camp counselor Chloe Childress, who had recently graduated from high school, is being remembered by friends and campers for her calm leadership during the evacuation.

Dick Eastland, who had run Camp Mystic since the 1970s, reportedly died while helping others escape.

In one widely shared video, nurse Devon Paige recorded campers singing worship songs inside a cabin as they awaited evacuation. The footage, which has gone viral, shows campers staying composed despite their fear as emergency vehicles arrive.

Texas Flash Flood Aftermath: Focus on Recovery

As Texas continues to recover from one of its deadliest flash floods in recent memory, debates surrounding media equity and public response have entered the national conversation. Officials emphasize that immediate efforts remain focused on locating the missing and providing aid to those affected.

Analysts say broader societal discussions may continue, but note that timing and tone remain critical when tragedies are still unfolding.