Democracy Dies in Darkness

Between broken tree limbs and muddied cabins, a father looked for his missing child

Michael McCown drove to the Hill Country when he learned of the flood. His daughter Linnie had been at Camp Mystic, among the youngest girls inside the Bubble Inn cabin.

Updated July 6, 2025

5 min

A view inside a cabin Saturday at Camp Mystic, where at least 20 girls went missing Friday after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, near the Guadalupe River. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images)

By Arelis R. Hernández

Editor`s Note:

On Sunday, July 6, Michael McCown confirmed that his daughter’s body was found. She is survived by her parents and two siblings in Austin.

KERR COUNTY, Texas — Michael McCown drove to the Hill Country from Austin as soon as he learned about news of the flood. His little girl, Linnie, had been at Camp Mystic, among the youngest group of girls situated inside the Bubble Inn cabin.

What readers are saying

The comments reflect a deep sense of sorrow and empathy for the families affected by the tragedy, with many expressing condolences and prayers. Several comments highlight the role of Mexican and Polish workers in rescuing the girls, emphasizing the importance of immigrant... Show more

This summary is AI-generated. AI can make mistakes and this summary is not a replacement for reading the comments.

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