Kerrville DNA ID effort as Texas flood toll surpasses 100
The estimate of the dead is vastly different than the message state officials are projecting publicly, insisting that they are still searching for people who are alive, and refusing to say rescue efforts have shifted to recovery of remains. 'Our state assets and local partners are continuing to search for live victims,' the head of TDEM W. Nim Kidd told reporters at a press conference Saturday. 'Our hope and prayer is that there is still people alive that are out there.'
As of Sunday morning, 69 had been confirmed dead, and 11 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are missing. Of the dead, 46 are adults and 21 are children, local officials said. Additionally, DNA testing will be used to help identify the remains of the flood victims, a state source told Daily Mail.
Families have been asked for blood draws or other records to help identify the bodies of loved ones who have been recovered. Relatives of the missing have started arriving in the Kerrville area from across the Lone Star State to provide investigators with DNA samples. More is emerging about the victims, including those lost at Camp Mystic.
The all-girl's Christian camp hosted 700 campers, including Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck of Dallas (pictured). Their parents were told the devastating news that their girls, described as 'best friends,' had died in the flood waters. Some of those who are missing or died at Camp Mystic are connected to wealthy families in Highland Park. Known as the Beverly Hills of Dallas, Highland Park and neighboring Park Cities are home to many of missing girls who belong to prominent families.
Some have ties to Highland Park United Methodist Church - whose most famous member is former President George W. Bush. 'This crisis affects many our HPUMC family and our local Park Cities community, including generations of women and families touched by Camp Mystic,' wrote Highland Park United Methodist Church head pastor Paul Rasmussen. 'One of the girls unaccounted for, Hadley Hanna, is a part of our church family. Please pray for her safety and for her parents, Doug and Carrie, along with her two sisters.'
Over 300 people attended a prayer vigil at the church Saturday in support of the flood victims. A hotline has been established for anyone who is looking for loved ones. Relatives are asked to call 830-258-1111 with information of the missing, including their last known location.
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