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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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Three losses in five months: After husband and brother, Texas mom loses daughter in floods; final letters capture 8-year-old's joy at Camp Mystic
Debris covers the area of Camp Mystic in Hunt (AP Photo) Texas mom Lindsey McLeod McCrory has endured more tragedy in five months than most people face in a lifetime. In March, she lost her husband, Blake, to cancer. In June, her only brother, Chanse McLeod, died from illness. Then, on July 4, her 8-year-old daughter, Blakely, was among the dozens killed from Camp Mystic when catastrophic floods swept through central Texas- turning what was meant to be a joyful summer camp experience into a scene of heartbreak. Blakely had just begun her stay at Camp Mystic, a storied Christian girls' camp nestled in the Hill Country. She was wearing a green-and-white beaded Camp Mystic necklace that her mother had given her before she left- a symbol of faith, family tradition, and joy. That necklace would later help identify her body. Mom's husband and brother died this year, then her daughter was killed in floods 'She had the best time at camp. She went out on a happy note,' McCrory said. 'She was always a leader, encouraging others.' In the days following the tragedy, Lindsey McCrory received a bundle of handwritten letters that Blakely had penned during her brief but joyful stay at Camp Mystic. The notes, written in colorful pens and embellished with stickers, brimmed with a child's excitement and wonder—offering a lasting glimpse into her final days. 'She described Camp Mystic as 'amazing' in all caps,' McCrory recalled. 'You could feel her joy in every sentence.' In one of her letters, Blakely wrote about being selected for the Tonkawa tribe—something she had hoped for long before arriving at camp. 'I finally got Tonk!!!' she exclaimed, underlining the word several times- 'I'm a Tonk now—I wanted it so bad!' She also listed the many activities she was eager to try: horseback riding, tennis, swimming, and especially crafts. Blakely mentioned building a Barbie house during art class, de scribing it in vivid detail—complete with painted walls and a hand-made miniature bed. 'It's pink and purple and has a real roof!' she wrote. 'She was so proud of that little house,' McCrory said. 'She was going to give it to her cousin when she got back.' The July 4 flooding came suddenly, with torrential rain and a deadly 30-foot river surge that destroyed cabins and swept away lives. Blakely's cabin was among the closest to the Guadalupe River. Twenty-seven Camp Mystic campers and counselors, including Blakely, perished. When McCrory, who was on a long-planned trip to Europe with her sister and nieces, first heard of flooding at Camp Mystic, she thought it might be similar to a 1987 event she remembered as a former camper herself—minor disruptions, but no danger. 'We were on a boat, and when we docked for lunch, we received some text messages,' she recalled. 'I didn't have any idea how bad it was.' Soon after, she lost phone service. Once reconnected, she heard the chilling voicemail: Blakely was missing. 'I just dropped the phone on the table, shaking,' McCrory said. 'I was frozen when I heard that voicemail.' She rushed home to Houston as family members searched local shelters and evacuation centers. On July 7, McCrory received confirmation- her daughter had been found. She was still wearing the Camp Mystic necklace. Despite the magnitude of her loss, McCrory radiated calm. She credits her faith, her family, and the Camp Mystic community. 'My faith is so strong. Actually, I was a camper at Camp Mystic, and I felt so close to my faith attending there,' she said, as quote by CNN. 'We had lovely devotionals on the waterfront… And just the sisterhood, the faith – it just really brought me closer.' Her friends have now adjusted the necklace so that she can wear it herself, keeping Blakely close to her heart. 'She was so excited [about camp], and it came at such a good time since she lost her daddy,' McCrory said. 'It was a way for her to just heal with that sisterhood and her faith and just all of the fun activities.' Even in her final moments, Blakely's spirit shone through. 'As the water started to rise, a counselor made a keen observation: Blakely was encouraging her cabinmates to not be afraid,' McCrory said. 'She was always a leader, encouraging others.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
3 people still missing from deadly July 4 floods in Texas county, down from nearly 100
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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Historic St Andrews Church Raises Funds for Restoration Through Musical Concerts
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