In central Texas, tragic flash floods caused by a severe storm have claimed the lives of over 100 people, including three second graders, twin sisters from Dallas, and a camp director who served as a father figure to the girls under his care. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing to locate missing campers, with authorities continuing their efforts.
Mary Grace Baker, an eight-year-old victim who recently celebrated her First Holy Communion at Camp Mystic, was known for her kindness and joyful spirit, according to her school. Another victim, Joyce Catherine Badon, a 21-year-old architecture student, lost her life in the flooding while staying with friends at a river home in Hunt, Texas.
Tragedy also struck the Rushing family, with James and Cindy Rushing perishing in the floodwaters while camping along the Guadalupe River. Their son confirmed their deaths in a heartbreaking social media post, expressing his shattered heart.
Among the victims were twin sisters, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, who had just completed second grade. Their parents shared their devastation over the loss of their beloved daughters, expressing the profound impact the girls had on their lives.
The flood also claimed the lives of Reece and Paula Zunker, described as dedicated educators with a lasting impact on their community. Their young children, Lyle and Holland, remain missing, adding to the family’s heartbreak.
Dick Eastland, the Camp Mystic director, sacrificed his life to save the campers he cared for deeply. Fondly remembered by former campers for his selfless dedication, Eastland’s heroic actions have left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Chloe Childress, a 19-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic, was known for her contagious joy and unwavering faith. Her tragic death in the floods has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her, with her family mourning the loss of a cherished member.
The devastating toll of the floods also claimed the life of nine-year-old Janie Hunt, a relative of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs owner, who devoted her life to a girls’ summer camp in Texas Hill Country. Remembered as a guiding light and a safe haven, Hunt’s legacy will endure in the hearts of those she touched.
Additionally, the floods took the life of eight-year-old Sarah Marsh from Alabama, who was attending Camp Mystic. Her passing has left a community in mourning, with an outpouring of support and prayers for her family during this difficult time.
Sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, students at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, tragically lost their lives when their cabin was swept away by the floodwaters. Fondly remembered for their kindness and involvement in school activities, the sisters’ untimely deaths have deeply impacted their community.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, prayers and support continue to pour in for the families and loved ones of the victims, whose lives were cut short by the devastating flash floods in central Texas.