Kerr County, Texas – June 27, 2025 | The nation is in shock and mourning today as officials confirm that all 27 girls reported missing at Camp Mystic have been found dead, following the catastrophic flash floods that swept through Central Texas earlier this week.

The death toll from the flooding disaster has now surpassed 100 lives, making it one of the deadliest weather events in Texas history.

But amid the rising waters and rising grief, one voice has emerged — quiet, steady, and compassionate: NASCAR driver Chase Elliott.

🕊️ A Camp Swept Away — And a State in Mourning

Camp Mystic, a beloved summer destination for young girls aged 9 to 14, was hosting over 150 campers when unprecedented flash flooding struck the Guadalupe River region late Sunday night. While most were safely evacuated, 27 girls remained unaccounted for after a section of the camp was washed away in the darkness.

After 72 grueling hours of search and rescue, all 27 bodies were recovered Wednesday morning. Parents who clung to hope are now faced with unbearable loss. A makeshift memorial of flowers, photos, and handwritten notes has grown outside the camp gates.

💸 Chase Elliott’s Quiet Act of Kindness

Just hours after the final victims were confirmed, Chase Elliott released a short but heartfelt statement:

“I may not know these families personally, but their pain is shared by every parent, every brother and sister, and every heart in this country. I want to stand with them — not just in words, but in action.”

He then pledged $500,000 to support funeral costs, trauma counseling for families and survivors, and to help local first responders still recovering from days of exhausting work.

Fans were moved — but Elliott didn’t stop there.

🧡 He Showed Up — Quietly, Humbly

Later that day, without media fanfare or cameras, Elliott arrived in Kerrville alongside his father Bill Elliott and members of his foundation. Wearing a simple gray hoodie and baseball cap, he visited with multiple families at the Kerr County Civic Center, where grief counseling is being offered.

“He didn’t speak much. He just sat with us. He cried with us,” said one parent.
“He told my husband: ‘If there’s anything we need — anything — he’s there.’”

But it was at a private candlelight vigil later that evening where Chase Elliott delivered a brief, emotional tribute that is now going viral.

🎥 The Speech That Left Fans Speechless

Video clips from the vigil show Elliott standing before a sea of candles and tear-streaked faces. Fighting through emotion, he said:

“We race for trophies, for glory.But these girls… they ran for joy, for laughter, for life.They didn’t lose a race — they were taken too soon.

And I promise, as long as I have a voice, they will be remembered.”

The 40-second clip has since been viewed over 15 million times, with fans and celebrities alike praising Elliott’s genuine compassion.

🗣️ Reactions Pour In

• NASCAR President Steve Phelps: “Chase represents the best of us — on and off the track.”

• Taylor Swift, who had performed in Texas just days earlier, commented on Instagram: “I have no words. Just heartbreak. And respect.”

• ESPN: “Not all heroes wear fire suits. But some do.”

📷 The Photo That Broke the Internet

A photo captured by a volunteer shows Chase Elliott kneeling beside a small pair of pink rain boots, left in the mud near a riverside memorial. The image has become the emotional symbol of the tragedy, shared by millions under the hashtag:

#Mystic27
#NeverForgotten

🙏 What Comes Next

As Texas begins the long road to recovery, officials have launched investigations into whether infrastructure failures or emergency communication lapses contributed to the scope of the tragedy. But for now, the focus remains on honoring the victims.

In a final gesture, Elliott announced that his next race car will feature all 27 girls’ names on the hood — and that any winnings from that race will go directly to rebuilding efforts in Kerrville.

🕯️ Final Word

This week, the nation watched a nightmare unfold. But it also witnessed humanity at its most powerful — in the form of a driver who chose to stop racing… and start helping.

💬 Join the tribute:Light a candle. Say their names.

And never forget the 27 stars who once shined at Camp Mystic.