A powerful and sudden flash flood has left the state of Texas in shock and mourning after 28 children were swept away in a devastating surge of water late Monday evening. Among the confirmed victims is Kai Musk, the 19-year-old son of billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk.

The flood struck with little warning following days of relentless rainfall that overwhelmed local rivers and drainage systems. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to locate survivors, but hopes are fading as more bodies are pulled from the wreckage.

Local officials confirmed that the floodwaters struck a youth retreat near the Hill Country area, where dozens of young people from across the state had gathered for a summer leadership program. What was meant to be a week of inspiration and bonding turned into a nightmare of chaos and destruction.

“This is one of the darkest days we’ve seen,” said Texas emergency response coordinator Maria Rojas. “Twenty-eight young lives, full of potential, were taken in a matter of minutes. The community is shattered.”

Among those lives was Kai Musk, a college student known to be passionate about sustainability and artificial intelligence. Though Elon Musk has yet to issue a public statement, sources close to the family describe them as “absolutely devastated” and currently in seclusion.

Family games

Social media has erupted with an outpouring of grief and disbelief. Hashtags like #PrayForTexas and #KaiMusk have gone viral as tributes pour in from public figures, celebrities, and citizens alike.

This tragic incident marks one of the deadliest youth-related disasters in recent Texas history, and state officials have already declared a state of emergency in the affected counties. Questions are being raised about early warning systems, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and why no evacuations were ordered in time.

As search and recovery efforts continue, the world watches Texas with heavy hearts — mourning the young lives lost, including the son of one of the most influential figures of our time.