The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans each donated $500,000 to relief efforts after deadly floods hit central Texas over the weekend.
“We are heartbroken by the loss and damage that our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country has endured,” Texans ownership said in a statement shared on the team's official X account Saturday (July 5). “We are especially devastated to hear about the children who are still missing and we are praying they are reunited with their families soon. Our hearts will remain with everyone affected and in addition to our donation, we will continue to support the search, rescue and recovery efforts in the coming weeks.”
“Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation and loss of life caused by the floods in Kerr County and Texas Hill Country, especially for the young girls and their families, as well as all of those lost and their loved ones. This has been devastating to see and we hold everyone impacted in our thoughts and prayers. Standing side by side with The Salvation Army’s critical response, we are also donating $500,000 to provide immediate resources for rescue, relief and long-term recovery efforts," the Cowboys said on their X account Sunday (July 6).
At least 59 people have been killed in Kerr County and at least 70 have been killed in central Texas as of Sunday (July 6) afternoon, NBC News reports. Officials confirmed that 11 girls from the Camp Mystic Christian camp remain missing as of Sunday.
Five missing campers identified as Renee Smajstrla, 8; Sarah Marsh, 8; Janie Hunt, 9; Lila Bonner, 9, and Eloise Peck, 8; were included in the rising death toll. Gov. Abbott called the storm an "extraordinarily catastrophe" and confirmed that rescue missions for the missing Christian camp girls would continue overnight during a press conference Friday (July 4) night.
“They will continue in the darkness of night, they will be taking place when the sun rises in the morning. They will be non-stop,” Abbott said.
The all-girls sleep-away camp was evacuated overnight during the storms, however, several of the campers were reportedly left behind. Some of the girls were reportedly located and are stranded, however, dozens remain unaccounted for.
“That does not mean they’ve been lost. They could be in a tree. They could be out of communication. We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick specified on Friday via the New York Post.
Staffers sent an email to families informing them of the incident and confirmed that the camp had lost power, water and WiFi during the incident.
“If you have not been personally contacted, then your daughter is accounted for,” the email, which was obtained by KSAT, stated. “We are working with search and rescue currently. The highway has washed away so we are struggling to get more help.”