The Texas floods have caused horrific damage to the state. The death toll from flash floods that struck central Texas has now climbed to at least 121 people, and an unknown number of others are missing. Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls’ summer camp, confirmed that at least 27 girls and staff were among the dead. Five campers and one adult are still missing.
Rescuers are trying to find the missing bodies through mud-piled riverbanks, debris and a lot of courage. While there’s immense grief behind the unexpected loss of lives, due to floods, in an unusual attempt, a devastated Texas mother, Stacy Stevens, is desperately hoping to recover her late daughter Mary Barrett Stevens’ favorite friend, a cherished brown Jellycat “Fuddlewuddle” monkey.
💔8 year old Mary Stevens from Austin, Texas body was found.
Mary was a camper at Camp Mystic when flood waters swept through the Guadalupe river in Hunt, Texas.
Rest In Peace Mary Stevens 🕊️ 😞
Please God somehow give the family your strength and peace. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/aASlkPjmu8
— 👑💥 Serenity 💥👑 (@polishprincessh) July 10, 2025
As per The New York Times, Mary, an 8-year-old camper, was among 27 children who drowned on July 4 when sudden floods overwhelmed the remote all-girls Christian camp. In a Facebook post—later removed—Stacy pleaded: “We lost my daughter and would love to have [the monkey] back, as it was her most prized possession.”
The cute brown toy can be identified by a square sticker bearing Mary’s full name, and Stacy urged anyone who finds it to reach out. Though it’s unclear whether the original toy has been found, the Lost Stuffy Project, a nonprofit dedicated to reuniting families with lost plush toys, reported sending a replacement to her mother, Stacy, very soon.
Please help this mama locate her daughter’s missing monkey. 🙏
A Texas mother, Stacy Stevens, whose 8-year-old daughter Mary Barrett Stevens was among the victims of the floodwaters that swept through Camp Mystic, is seeking the public’s help in locating her child’s favorite… pic.twitter.com/uZOpQee6nf
— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) July 10, 2025
Little Mary, who attended Highland Park Elementary in Austin, is lovingly remembered as a kind, joyful child with an “infectious” laugh, according to a GoFundMe campaign supporting the family. Her mother, Stacky Stevens, previously shared a heartfelt tribute in the Austin American‑Statesman: “You have left the most positive impact on everyone who knew you… I will never stop loving you and trying to live life as you did: fearless, enthusiastic, compassionate, and full of joy.”
NEW: Rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan, who saved 165 people during the Texas floods, says he recently became a rescue swimmer and this was his first rescue mission.
“I got on scene, boots on the ground at Camp Mystic and discovered I was the only first responder there.”
“I had about… pic.twitter.com/Y6eoNHkz7G
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 7, 2025
For those who remain unaware, Camp Mystic was established way back in 1926 and is situated between the banks of the Guadalupe River. Mystic is located near the geographical center of Texas, 18 miles northwest of Kerrville ( via campmystic). Each summer, Mystic holds extensive camps for the girls where they indulge in fun activities that help them develop confidence, grow spiritually, and make cherished memories.
Meanwhile, Stella Thompson, a 13-year-old girl who survived the floods at the same camp, spoke to the media and explained the situation. You’d see kayaks stuck in trees,” Stella recalled. “It was kind of horrific. It didn’t look like Camp Mystic anymore,” she added.
Meanwhile, Stella Thompson’s mother, Casey Thompson, said she was overwhelmed with prayers and sighed a sign of relief. “We’re just so thankful Stella is safe,” she told KXAS. “But we also know that not every family got to bring their child home. That brings a mix of relief and deep sadness.”
Camp La Junta, Hunt, Texas. Several of the girls from camp Mystic were found here.. the young men who work as counselors and the director of this camp saved 150 young boys from the . They pulled the boys up into the rafters of their highest building. The waters were up 25 feet… pic.twitter.com/9xWz0w1Tfx
— David Real (@DavidEReal4) July 6, 2025
It’s a shame that the horrible floods just took away so many innocent lives, little and lively girls who came with the sole idea to rejuvenate. As the Stevens family mourns privately, camp staff and local volunteers continue rescue operations.
