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'Nothing short of a miracle' | Texas sisters share harrowing flash flood survival story
“We thought it was a normal thunderstorm,” Lilly Kummerfeld said. “We didn’t know about any of the destruction or the horrible things happening at that moment.”
TYLER, Texas — A beloved summer camp tradition became a nightmare when two East Texas sisters were swept up in a deadly flash flood.
For the first time, the sisters Lilly and Paige Kummerfeld shared the terrifying night, the lives lost and the rescuers who risked everything to bring them home.
“We just thought it was a normal thunderstorm,” Lilly said. “We didn’t know about any of the destruction or the horrible things happening at that moment.”
The sisters were familiar with Camp Mystic’s occasional rising waters, but this time the flood came without warning. There was no time to prepare, only to react.
“Our usual flooding plan is to get to the highest point, but it happened so quickly that no one really had time to do that,” Lilly said.
She said the flooded campgrounds triggered panic, especially among those with loved ones staying on lower ground.
“You just stood by those people, hugged them and reassured it’s gonna be okay,” Paige said. “There’s a plan and God’s got this.”
Amid the chaos, the girls recall the courage of the camp staff and counselors. Some gave their lives to protect the children, including camp directors Dick and Edward Eastland.
“I couldn’t comprehend how you can see someone who’s so happy and alive and just realize that they’re not there anymore,” Paige said. “I know he would have wanted to give his life for the camp and to save other people.”
As the community grapples with the tragedy, many struggle to process the heartbreak and unfairness of what happened.
“It’s really hard to hear the news about the little girls who were trapped by the water because it doesn’t feel fair,” Lilly said. “It’s hard to hear because they were so young, I feel guilty that we were so safe and oblivious while they were living hell on earth.”
The girls’ parents, Katy and David Kummerfeld, endured hours of agonizing silence, with no word from their daughters as the disaster unfolded.
“Those hours were some of the worst hours of our lives, not knowing if our daughters were safe and alive,” Katy said.
Like Lilly and Paige, they held onto their faith throughout the unknown.
“I think we just really had to rely on our faith, that we had to trust in the Lord that he had our girls,” Kim said.
Lily described the airlift process, including crossing the river and being evacuated by Black Hawk helicopters.
“I always had a feeling that I would be home, that I was going to make it home safely. It was not if, it was a when and I had that in the back of my mind,” Lilly said. “It gave me strength to see hard things and to do hard things and to be brave, because I was going to be brave for my family and my friends.”
The girls say they’re forever grateful for the heroes who stepped up that day, and for God’s protection through it all.
“Those who survived and were able to get out of harm’s way. It’s nothing short of a miracle with how quickly the water rose,” Lilly said. “Even for the girls who didn’t survive, I believe that Jesus was there with them, holding their hands when the waters rose and comforting them.”