Who is Lila Bonner? Texas flood victim at Camp Mystic, who had a dream of opening an animal rescue
The Texas Hill Country floods on July 4, 2025, claimed the lives of at least 119 people, including 9-year-old Lila Bonner, a Camp Mystic camper. Remembered for her love of animals and leadership qualities, Lila's family is planning to establish Lila's Light Foundation to support animals affected by natural disasters. Bonner, whose family described her as a natural-born leader and an animal lover, had a dream of opening an animal rescue before the devastating Hill County floods took her life.
NYT News Service A service for the Texas flooding victims is held at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The church is the home parish of Lila Bonner, 9, one of several children who died at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp, where another 10 girls remained missing. (Ruth Graham/The New York Times) The devastating floods swept through the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, leaving at least 119 people dead statewide, with the bulk of deaths reported in Kerr County, where the toll reached 95. Meanwhile, officials said over 150 people were still missing. The people who lost their lives in floods included several young campers at Camp Mystic.
Among the Camp Mystic campers who died was 9-year-old Lila Bonner, who died with her best friend and Camp Mystic cabinmate, Eloise Peck. The two had recently finished second grade at Bradfield Elementary, according to news station KDFW.
Bonner, whose family described her as a natural-born leader and an animal lover, had a dream of opening an animal rescue before the devastating Hill County floods took her life."Lila was a natural-born leader who loved all creatures, big and small,' Bonner's family said in a GoFundMe. 'Her confidence and determination left no doubt she would one day fulfill her dream of opening and operating an animal rescue,' the family added.The girl, according to the family, had an electric smile and soulful eyes. She was one of 27 campers and counsellors who perished at Camp Mystic in Hunt.
The catastrophic floods occurred in the early hours of July 4, 2025. Floodwaters quickly overtook the all-Christian, all-girls camp when the nearby Guadalupe River rose by 22 feet in just a few hours. Lila Bonner's body was found, her family confirmed in a statement, according to media reports.Lila's Light Foundation, an animal care initiative, will work to realize the North Texas girl's dream of caring for creatures who are devastated by natural disasters like the one that killed her.'While Lila's life was tragically cut short, her legacy and story will not end there. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for our beautiful and precious girl and look forward to honoring her love for animals by creating a foundation, Lila's Light, to help animals affected by natural disasters—just as she would have wanted,' the Bonner family said.'While we are still in the process of setting up her foundation, please trust that no funds will be for expenses. Our aim is to help ensure her legacy—and radiant light—continues to shine,' the family further stated The fundraiser has so far collected over $407,975 USD and aims to raise $450,000. Milliard Diamond Concierge, a Dallas-based jewelry company, is also selling a 14k yellow gold cross pendant in honor of Lila Bonner. All proceeds will go towards Lila's Light.
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