Flash flooding claimed more than 100 lives in Central Texas. Here's what we know about the victims
The flash flooding deluged summer camps in Kerr County, dotted along the Guadalupe River, and also left families in Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson Counties looking for family members swept away in the floodwaters. State officials are still hoping to find people alive as crews enter their fourth day of searching.
Kerr County officials said at least 95 people died in flash flooding over the Fourth of July weekend — 36 of whom are children. At least 161 others remain missing.
Camp Mystic is a nearly century-old all-girls Christian camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The camp has been run by couple, Dick and Tweety Eastland, since they purchased it in 1974. The grandson of Dick Eastland confirmed on social media his grandfather died 'saving the girls that he so loved and cared for.'
In a message posted Monday morning, Camp Mystic said it was grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors. 'Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,' the post stated.
On social media, several families across Texas have confirmed that their daughters did not survive the historic flooding that deluged the camp, including Lila Bonner, Janie Hunt, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, Sarah Marsh, Linnie McCown, Blakely McCrory, Renee Smajstrla and Mary Stevens.
Hundreds gathered outside Casis Elementary School on Sunday to mourn 8-year-old Austin ISD student Linnie McCown. Her father said on Instagram the Mystic camper, 'filled [their] hearts with so much joy we cannot begin to explain.'
The family of Mary Stevens, a Mystic camper and student at Highland Park Elementary School, confirmed on social media that she was among those who did not survive the flooding. Stevens' mother wrote on Instagram, 'Our world is shattered, but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp and had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us.'
Lila Bonner's family told KXAN, 'We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.'
Janie Hunt was attending Camp Mystic along with several of her cousins, according to a message from U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter posted on X. Hunt's family said about her on social media, 'God of grace and comfort, we thank you for our little niece, Janie Hunt and for the place she held in all our hearts.'
Eight-year-old twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence were among the victims at Camp Mystic, their grandfather told NBC News. Their older sister was also at camp, but was safely evacuated. 'Hanna and Rebecca gave their [family] so much joy,' the grandfather said. 'They and that joy can never be forgotten.'
The Mayor of the City of Mountain Brook, Alabama, said on Instagram that Sarah Marsh, 8, was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary. Mayor Welch said, 'This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school and our entire community. Sarah's passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her.'
Blakely McCrory, 8, was also among those killed at Camp Mystic, her mother confirmed on Facebook. 'While we find some comfort in the knowledge that Blakely is happy, safe and secure in the arms of Jesus, we are beyond shattered and will miss her with every breath we take for the rest of our lives.'
A family member of Renee Smajstrla confirmed she was among the victims, writing on Facebook, 'While not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly.' The family member went on to say, '[Renee] will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.'
At least one Camp Mystic counselor was also killed during the flash floods, according to her family. Chloe Childress, 19, was a former camper who had become a camp counselor. In a statement, her family said she 'lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith.'
Bailey Martin was a police officer in Odessa, Texas. Nexstar station KMID reported that Martin, his girlfriend, Jayda, his father, Bobby Martin, and his stepmother, Amanda Martin, were visiting a campground in Kerrville to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend when their RV was swept away in the flash floods. The Odessa Police Department said on Tuesday Martin was found dead.
'We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, as they have not only lost Bailey but also several other family members,' Odessa Police Department officials said. 'Our prayers go out to them, and to everyone affected by this devastating natural disaster.'
St. Rita Catholic School, in Dallas, told its community that two sisters who attended the school, rising sixth grader Brooke Harber and rising eighth grader Blair Harber, were among the children whom first responders were searching for. NBC News reported that in a detailed statement posted to GoFundMe, the girls' aunt said their bodies were found 15 miles away from the family's vacation rental in Hunt.
'When they were found, their hands were locked together,' she told NBC.
Another summer camp located along the Guadalupe River, Heart O' the Hills, announced on Saturday that the camp's longtime co-owner, Jane Ragsdale, lost her life during the devastating flooding in the Hill Country. Camp officials said Jane 'embodied the spirit of Heart O' the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop.'
Julian Ryan and his young family woke up to water rushing into their home. In a detailed account posted to GoFundMe, his family said Julian died while trying to save his wife, mother and children from the flood waters.
'I love you, Julian,' his sister said in a Facebook post. 'It shouldn't have took you to pass away for you to get recognition, but you made it and the world is gonna know how good of a man you were.'
John Burgess, 39, was camping at the HTR TX Hill Country Campground in Ingram with his wife and two children when the flash floods hit. His family said on Facebook he died in the Kerr County flooding. Burgess' wife, Julia, and their two youngest children are still missing, family said.
Kerrville Independent School District is also mourning the loss of a beloved soccer coach and a former teacher. District officials said on Facebook that Reece Zunker and his wife, Paula Zunker, lost their lives in the flood. The district said Paula 'left a lasting mark on the community' and said Reece's 'unwavering dedication […] will never be forgotten.' The Zunkers' two children, Lyle and Holland, are still missing, according to the district's post from Sunday.
Humble Independent School District said a long-time teacher, Jeff Wilson, passed away due to the flooding in Kerrville. According to the district, Wilson worked for 30 years at both Humble High School and Kingwood Park High School. 'He was beloved teacher and co-worker to many and will be deeply missed,' the district said in a statement on X. District officials said Jeff's wife, Amber, and son Shiloh are still missing.
The University of Texas at San Antonio community was also touched by the tragedy. Katheryn Eads, a senior lecturer of psychology at UTSA, was among those killed. Two UTSA students are believed to be among those still missing.
'Dr. Eads was an extraordinary educator whose devotion to her students and to the craft of teaching embodied the very best of our academic community,' Heather Shipley, UTSA provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said. 'Through her insight, expertise and unwavering commitment to student success, she inspired generations of learners and colleagues alike. Her absence leaves a profound void at UTSA, but her impact will continue to resonate through the lives she touched.'
José Olvera and his wife, Alicia, both in their 70s, were swept away in floodwaters in Hunt, a neighbor told NBC News. José's body was found Saturday, but Alicia remains missing. Volunteers believe they were holding hands when they were swept away, the neighbor said.
NBC News also confirmed with her father that Joyce-Catherine Badon, 21, was among those killed in the Kerr County floods.
Braxton Jarmon was set to begin his Sophomore year at Glenn High School.
Travis County Judge Andy Brown said seven people died and 10 people remain missing after the 'extremely deadly and destructive' flooding throughout Travis County over the Fourth of July weekend. Among the missing is a 17-year-old girl.
The Glenn High School Grizzly Band and Leander ISD Trustee Anna Smith posted on Facebook Monday that incoming sophomore Braxton Jarmon lost his life during the floods. Smith said Jarmon's sister is still missing.
'We could not have imagined this tragedy happening to our family. He's our baby boy,' Jarmon's sister said in a post on Facebook.
At least two people were killed in Williamson County, with one other person still missing at this time. In a social media post, Hope House, a home for children with disabilities, said their coworker Sherry Richardson, 64, was among those killed.
'Sherry was more than a coworker — she was a dear friend to so many in our staff,' the statement read. 'She loved our residents dearly and was an invaluable part of our mission. We are deeply grateful to the rescue workers and first responders who worked tirelessly to bring her home.'
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office also recovered the body of Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, of Liberty Hill.
Emergency management officials in Burnet County say five people are dead after flash flooding hit their county. Officials confirmed on Sunday that ranch worker Preston Prince lost his life.
The son of William 'Govani' Venus confirmed to KXAN's Kevin Baskar that his father was among those killed. In a Facebook post, his son said Venus was a 33-year retired CSM Army veteran who had been deployed five times.
One other person remains missing — Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips, who was swept away during a water rescue.
Flooding in San Angelo on July 4 claimed one life. The body of Tanya Burwick, 62, was found several blocks away from where her vehicle had been found, according to the San Angelo Police Department.
'We ask that the public continue to keep the Burwick family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy,' the department wrote on Facebook.
We will update this story as new information becomes available. Investigative Intern Elijah Carll and Investigative Producer Dalton Huey contributed to this report.
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Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
A girl's death in Texas floods is her family's third loss this year. 3 mementos she left help her mom cope
The last time Lindsey McLeod McCrory saw her daughter Blakely alive, the young girl was heading to camp wearing a simple yet profound necklace – one that would later reconnect Blakely to her mother after she died. It was a green-and-white beaded Camp Mystic necklace – a tribute to the legendary Christian girls' camp in the foothills of Texas' Hill Country where Blakely was going. It's the same camp her mother and other women in the family had attended and forged lifelong memories. 'I gave this necklace to my daughter right before camp, and I advised her that if she didn't want to lose it – because she's 8 years old, and of course, they lose jewelry – I told her to wear it … during the whole time at camp,' McCrory told CNN on Friday. Blakely's new necklace served as a reminder of her mother's support at a time of immense loss. Blakely's father died from cancer in March. And just last month, she lost her uncle to illness. But Camp Mystic was a haven where Blakely's grief gave way to joy. 'She was so excited, 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.' Everything changed in the pre-dawn hours of July 4, when torrential rainfall and catastrophic flooding ripped through central Texas – claiming at least 135 lives, many near the Guadalupe River. At Camp Mystic, the cabins with the youngest campers were closest to the river. Blakely, along with 26 other Camp Mystic girls and counselors, perished in the deluge – forcing her family to endure yet another unfathomable tragedy. Despite the anguish, McCrory has found solace – thanks in part to letters that she received from Blakely after she died. Finding her tribe Even though Blakely was a new camper in a cabin full of strangers, she didn't seem nervous about going to camp. 'She loves the outdoors. She loves to fish, horseback ride,' her mother said. In a letter to her mother, Blakely said camp was 'amazing.' She was looking forward to playing tennis, going horseback riding and trying other sports, she wrote. The letter also said Blakely became a 'tonk' – something she had dreamed of. Every new girl at Camp Mystic draws a slip that tells them which 'tribe' they belong to – the Tonkawa or the Kiowa tribe. 'The tribe traditions, which have been handed down since Mystic's beginning' in 1926, 'help to emphasize team spirit, fun competition and good sportsmanship' during games, Camp Mystic's website says. 'After each game, the losing tribe commends the winning tribe who, in turn, compliments the losing tribe. Campers from opposite tribes pair up after each game and go up to Chapel Hill to pray.' Drawing a red slip meant the Tonkawa tribe. A blue slip signified the Kiowa tribe. Blakely 'wanted to be a Tonk really badly,' her mom said. 'Her two cousins are both Tonks. … So she wanted to be a Tonk so she could compete with her cousins' tribe.' The rituals instill 'sportsmanship and competition amongst the girls, which is so great for later on in life,' McCrory said. After Blakely drew a red slip, 'she was just ecstatic,' her mother said. In another letter, Blakely made an urgent request to her mother, who was getting ready to donate items because the family was preparing to move: 'PS. Please don't give my Barbie Dream house,' the 8-year-old scrawled on a colorful piece of paper. McCrory didn't receive those letters until after Blakely died. But the scribbled request forced a smile onto the grieving mother's face. 'It's just funny how a little girl's mind works. And that's why I laughed when I got the letter, because I could just hear her writing her thoughts down,' McCrory said. 'And it was just funny. … It was so Blakely.' 'I dropped the phone on the table, shaking' After sending Blakely off to camp, McCrory joined her sister and two nieces on a trip to Europe. It was the first such outing since the deaths of McCrory's husband, Blake, and her brother, Chanse McLeod – both within the last five months. When news trickled in overseas about some flooding at Camp Mystic, McCrory had no idea how bad it was. 'We were on a boat, and when we docked for lunch, we received some text messages' – including one reporting flooding at Camp Mystic. 'And so what popped in my mind – because we didn't have all of the full reports of the 30-foot surge – (was) that it was like the flood in 1987, when I was a camper.' Back then, 'you had to stay in your cabin for safety,' she said. 'They didn't want people walking in the mud and sliding around since there are so many hills. And they would bring food to us. And so that was what I first imagined it was.' McCrory then lost cell service and didn't receive a call from Camp Mystic. Eventually, she gained access to her voicemails and heard a horrid message: Blakely was missing. 'I just dropped the phone on the table, shaking,' she said. 'I was frozen when I heard that voicemail.' McCrory soon jumped on a plane back to Houston. At the same time, Blakely's half-brother and his mother scoured an evacuation center in Ingram, hoping to find Blakely. For two days, the family waited in anguish as crews trudged through thick mud and debris searching for victims and survivors. Then, on July 7, McCrory received the dreaded news: Blakely's body had been found. She was still wearing the Camp Mystic necklace her mom had given her – a piece of jewelry that helped identify her. Immense gratitude amid the grief For a widow who lost her husband, her only brother and her only daughter in just five months, McCrory is remarkably composed. She exudes an aura of calmness and even optimism. McCrory chalks it up to her faith, her family and her support network – all of which have ties to Camp Mystic. 'My faith is so strong. Actually, I was a camper at Camp Mystic, and I felt so close to my faith attending there as a camper,' she said. 'We had lovely devotionals on the waterfront where the Guadalupe River is, in the mornings, and then in the evenings, on Sundays, we went to Chapel Hill. And just the sisterhood, the faith – it just really brought me closer.' McCrory said she has learned how to cope after each tragedy and takes comfort in knowing her lost loved ones are together again. 'We lost my husband in March, and then my brother in June. So I think that prepared me for Blakely's loss,' she said. 'I'm coping very well. I have amazing love and support from people I know (and) from people I don't know. The mothers of the campers that were lost were on a group text, and were able to share stories and thoughts – and even funny moments.' As she prepared for Blakely's funeral Friday, McCrory wore the beaded necklace that she had given her daughter. 'My good friends from high school had it extended so that I could wear it, so I would have a touchstone close to my heart,' she said. She's also thankful for Blakely – and the fact that her final days were spent doing what she loved. 'She had the best time at camp. She went out on a happy note,' her mother said. And 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. So in my heart, I know it happened fast. And I'm just so grateful the life that she lived was so happy.'
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Ultrasound photo found in Texas floods reunited with mom
It was a beautiful reminder of life — in the depths of devastation. An ultrasound photo swept away in the horrific Texas flooding was dutifully returned to a Kerrville mom of two by volunteers who drove three hours to personally deliver it, The Post has learned. Lacy Frondorf, 40, thought the sweet framed photo of her daughter, Willow, in utero was lost forever when their garage, where it was housed, washed away in the early hours of July 4. 9 Texas mom Lacy Frondorf was reunited with ultrasound photos of her daughter Willow that she thought were lost to the flooding earlier this month. Courtesy of Lacy Frondorf 9 The framed ultrasound photo of Willow that was discovered by the Berclair Volunteer Fire Department. Facebook/Kerrville Tx Community Group 9 The photo was in the Frondorfs' garage when it flooded. Facebook/Kerrville Tx Community Group 'She's an incredible child. Strong, beautiful, smart, sweet,' Frondorf told The Post Wednesday referring to her now 9-year-old daughter, 'and so to have that, you know, I broke down in the kitchen last night, cleaning it off and I'm just overwhelmed with so many emotions.' 'When you're in a house trying to figure out what's important, that was interesting, because you don't grab pictures … you grab things that are in front of your face or things that you have maybe stored away, documents, but you don't grab pictures,' Frondorf said. The muddied photo — which Frondorf had not had digitized — was found about 10 miles away, in Center Point, by Roger Flores, 22, who was volunteering with his mother, Marlena, to aid in cleanup efforts. 'Me, being a mother, I know it meant something to her,' said Marlena, with the Berclair Volunteer Fire Department. 'I was like, I have to go above and beyond to find her,' Flores said. 9 The floodwaters at the Frondorfs' house in Kerrville. Courtesy of Lacy Frondorf 9 Debris seen at the house after the flood. Courtesy of Lacy Frondorf Marlena posted a photo of the ultrasound pic to a Facebook group dedicated to Kerrville victims, asking for help and noting the name on it — which was cut off as 'Lacy Ndorf.' 'Please if anyone knows her let her know we have and we will travel back to give it to her!!' the post said. An eagle-eyed Facebook user alerted Marlena, 42, of the photo's rightful owner — and the two quickly got in touch to arrange for Roger and his sister to drive three hours from Berclair, where various recovered flood items were being housed, to Kerrville. Frondorf, a registered nurse who also has an 11-year-old son, told Marlena that they lost their 'baby memories' in the floods. 9 The post about the photos on a Facebook page set up for victims of the flooding in Kerrville. Courtesy of Lacy Frondorf 'When someone finds an ultrasound picture, I think it gives you just a glimpse of hope, and peace, and love,' Frondorf said. 'It gives you a little bit more to keep going and keep fighting.' The historic flooding in Texas Hill Country in the early hours of the Fourth of July left 134 people dead, including 107 in Kerr County alone. Dozens more are still missing. Frondorf said 12 bodies were found on her property, which abuts the Guadalupe River. Her house, thankfully, was spared from flooding since it sits on higher ground but their car and garage were washed away. The mom sent Willow — who spends her days fishing and swimming in the river — to live with her grandparents until recovery efforts subside. 9 Willow with her brother. Courtesy of Lacy Frondorf 'We've found multiple deceased people on our property, and it's very difficult to find those things,' Frondorf said, describing her home as a 'war zone.' Flores has also been emotional while digging through the wreckage. She's spent her weekends with her family, driving to areas near Kerrville and combing through the destruction while fighting back tears. Follow The Post's coverage on the deadly Texas flooding 'We've found lifejackets, baby life jackets. That was very emotional, I had to cry, because a baby probably had that on and didn't survive, and we found it miles away,' Flores said. The Frondorfs believed their beloved 500-pound pig, Mohawk, was also killed in the flooding because his pen was underwater. 'We love this sweet pig, we've had him for three years. He's a rescue pig, and we were devastated immediately because he was underwater when we drove by,' Frondorf said. 9 The Frondorfs' pet pig Mohawk also managed to survive the flood. Courtesy of Lacy Frondorf So they were amazed when they found Mohawk walking on the side of the road hours after they evacuated. 'Apparently pigs swim very well, so he made it,' Frondorf said. For Frondorf, the strength of the Texas community is what keeps her going, and she's grateful for the selfless volunteers. 9 Willow was sent to live with her grandparents during the recovery efforts in Kerrville. Courtesy of Lacy Frondorf 'People have been so awesome, search and rescue volunteers giving their time and their sweat, and that's how that ultrasound picture was recovered,' Frondorf said. Flores said she won't stop until the work is done. 'If it were to happen to us, in our part of Texas where we live, I'm sure they would pick up and come help us,' Flores said. 'That's how Texas rolls. When one hurts, we all hurt in Texas.'
National Geographic
2 days ago
- National Geographic
Nun's skeleton reveals that some ancient women were extreme hermits
Head of a holy woman, from a mosaic in Turkey. Photograph By Bridgeman Images Today the most extreme forms of devotion to God in Christianity involve tithing, abstaining from meat on Fridays and during Lent, taking religious orders and devoting oneself to a life of celibacy, and, perhaps, taking vows of poverty or even silence. All of these practices pale next to the forms of asceticism practiced in the Byzantine period, when the most dedicated monks isolated themselves from human contact in the desert, restricted their food and sleep, wrapped themselves in uncomfortable sore-inducing chains, and lived their lives on top of small pillars. Traditionally, the most hardcore ascetics were believed to have been men, but recent scholarly and archeological research has revealed that female monastics were equally devoted to self-mortification. In 1924, excavations at Khirbat el-Masaniʾ near Ramat Shlomo (in Israel) uncovered a Byzantine monastery dating to approximately 350–650 CE. Located just three kilometers northwest of Old Jerusalem, the monastery stood along one of the main roads leading from Jaffa and Lydda to the city. Among the tombs discovered at the site were the remains of an unidentified individual unusually wrapped in a metal chain. During the fifth century CE, as Christian monasticism was on the rise, the practice of self-chaining gained popularity among ascetics in Syria. Asceticism and bodily self-denial was seen as a way of emulating the suffering of Christ and drawing closer to God. At the time the tombs were excavated, it was widely believed that such ascetic practices were exclusive to men. So for nearly a century, scholars assumed this person had been male. However, a recent study employing advanced DNA analysis has revealed that the remains belonged to a woman. This would make this one of the first-ever archaeological finds of extreme asceticism among Byzantine women. (Eight things people get wrong about ancient Rome) Byzantine-style mosaic of the Garden of Eden, part of the Old Testament cycle from the Monreale Cathedral Mosaics in Palermo, Siciliy. The Latin inscription reads, MULIER SUGGESTIONI SERPENTIS TULIT DE FRUCTU ET COMEDIT DEDITQUE VIRO SUO ('At the serpent's suggestion, the woman picked the fruit and ate it, and gave it to the man.') Photograph By Ghigo Roli / Bridgeman Images Byzantine churches were often decorated with shimmering mosaics, portraying events from the life of Christ on their upper walls. This fragmentary head of Christ, with its caring expression, is probably from such a scene. Photograph By Gift of Mary Jaharis, in memory of her late husband, Michael, 2017, The Metropolitan Museum of Art A self-tormenting nun During the original excavation of Khirbat el-Masaniʾ, archaeologists uncovered two crypts containing scattered skeletal remains of multiple individuals—including children, women, and men. Based on the grave goods, burial context, and stratigraphy, these interments were dated to the fifth century CE. A third tomb, which held the highly fragmentary remains of the chained individual, was also discovered. At the time, the bones were too incomplete to determine the individual's sex or age at death. But this spring, a team of Israeli researchers, led by archeological scientists Dr. Paula Kotli from the Weizmann Institute of Science, finally pinned down an identity. By conducting a proteomic analysis on enamel obtained from the only tooth recovered from the tomb, the team determined that burial belonged to an adult aged between 30 and 60 years old at the time of their death. The results, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, proved that the individual buried in chains in tomb three was actually a woman. As the authors note, 'the ascetic nun symbolizes a phenomenon of isolation, perhaps enclosure, and in extreme cases self-torment. This is the first evidence showing that the Byzantine self-torment ritual was performed by women and not exclusively by men.' The discovery marks a significant advance in the methods used to determine sex in fragmentary remains. Yet, evidence for asceticism among late antique women is more widespread than one might assume. (Christianity struggled to grow—until this skeptic became a believer) Detail of the 'Procession of Virgins' mosaics from the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Byzantine School, 6th century. Photograph By Leemage/Corbis/Getty Images Dr. Caroline Schroeder, Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and Professor of Data Scholarship at the University of Oklahoma and author of several pioneering studies on monasticism, told National Geographic, 'in late antiquity and Byzantium, people of all genders engaged in a wide variety of ascetic practices. In Egypt in the fourth and fifth centuries we have irrefutable evidence from papyri, monastic letters, and episcopal writings for women who practiced asceticism in their family homes, in homes they themselves owned or rented, and in communities of women [monasteries].' In general, asceticism meant abstaining from sex (even if married), limiting one's food intake, withdrawing from the world, rigorous engagement with prayer, and a life of discomfort and seclusion. These practices were not limited to Egypt. In Syria, we have copious evidence documenting what might be considered more extreme forms of asceticism. Schroeder mentioned a ninth-century male monk who described a women's monastery he encountered where residents lived in seclusion as stylites. Stylites 'were monks who lived for years atop a tall pillar, often exposed to nature's elements and totally dependent upon people on the ground to provide them with food and water,' Schroeder explained. 'The most famous is the original stylite, Symeon the Elder, who lived on his pillar for 36 years, praying, doing prostrations and other exercises, and experiencing physical decay. People came from all over for his blessings, to hear his preaching, and also to request his judgments in disputes between individuals and political leaders.' Stylites were physically constrained by the pillars—they were not able to stretch out fully, there were no bathroom breaks (which caused quite a stench), and they were exposed to the elements—and they also survived on limited sustenance and without the comfort of companionship. Schroeder pointed out that 'a monastery with women stylites is evidence that some women practiced as physically rigorous and severe asceticism as men.' With respect to the new study of the chained woman from outside Jerusalem, Schroeder pointed to an example recorded by fifth-century CE theologian Theodoret of Cyrrhus in his Religious History. In this collection of saint's lives, Theodoret describes visiting two Syriac sisters, Marana and Cyra, who wore heavy iron rings and chains as a form of extreme self-denial. According to Theodoret, these women lived in a roofless house—that exposed them to the unforgiving elements—the door of which had been sealed with mud and stones so that they were shut off from the world and unable to leave. Small windows allowed for food and water to be passed to the women. (Schroeder told me that Theodoret says that, since he was a bishop, they allowed him to dig through the door to see them.) The women wore iron collars, iron belts, and chains on their hands and feet. Even though the two women were secluded from the world, they, like Symeon the Stylite, became ancient Christian celebrities. They attracted pilgrims who travelled to receive their blessing. Saint Donatus, priest and anchorite, from "Les Images De Tous Les Saincts et Saintes de L'Année" (Images of All of the Saints and Religious Events of the Year.) Print By Jacques Callot , The Metropolitan Museum of Art Gender is a complicating question when it comes to asceticism because some women dressed as men when they entered monasteries. Dr. Christine Luckritz Marquis, Associate Professor of Church History at Union Presbyterian Seminary and author of 'Better Off Dead? Violence, Women, and Late Ancient Asceticism,' said 'the reality is that we have many individuals who were trans saints. While some women might merely dress as male monks to safely practice asceticism among men, there is no reason to believe that others did not truly feel themselves trans monks. And some men were castrated, becoming eunuchs for God, so they too did not fit into a simple two-sex binary.' The more fluid gender categories were complicated by the ambivalent attitude that male religious leaders had toward women in general. For commentators like Theodoret, Schroeder added, ascetic women were 'a bit of a paradox… On the one hand, women were viewed as inherently weaker than men and also the gender that carried the guilt of Eve for breaking God's command in the Garden of Eden. But on the other hand, they were capable of such strenuous devotions and, when they achieved them, were seen as even extra holy for going beyond the expectations of their gender.' An anchorhold against the south wall of All Saints church in Norfolk, United Kingdom. Built circa 1500 CE, it would have housed an anchorite devoted to solitary prayer. Photograph By UrbanImages/ Alamy From late antiquity onwards, into the medieval period, women's asceticism persisted. Anchorites—men and women who walled themselves up in permanent enclosures in lifelong solitary confinement—became more common among European women. Many of them lived in small cells, known as anchorholds, that were attached to local churches. In German-speaking regions, bishops would say the office for the dead as the anchorite entered their cell as a symbol of the ascetic's death to the world. Though small windows allowed them a limited view of the church's altar and access to food, water and the Eucharist, anchorites took vows to remain in their cells. The eleventh-century hagiographer Goscelin of Saint-Bertin refers to several anchorites who burned—or came close to burning—alive when the towns in which they lived in were sacked or looted. Other women embraced physical suffering an illness. In her book Holy Feast and Holy Fast, Caroline Walker Bynum documents the centrality of pain and illness to the spiritual lives of late medieval women. For those women even self-inflicted illness was a way of drawing near to God. Bynum writes that 'some Italian saints drank pus or scabs from lepers' sores.' In the German Nonnenbücher, a fourteenth-century collection of inspirational spiritual biographies of nuns authored by women, the desire for illness was so strong that the sisters exposed themselves 'to bitter cold' and prayed 'to be afflicted with leprosy.' The late fourteenth century, French anchoress Jane Mary of Maillé, 'stuck a thorn into her head in remembrance of Christ's crown of thorns.' As late as the sixteenth century, an account of the life of St. Alda of Siena recalled that she slept on a bed of paving stones, whipped herself with chains, and wore a crown of thorns. 'Among the more bizarre female behaviors' in this period, writes Bynum, 'were rolling in broken glass, jumping into ovens, hanging from a gibbet, and praying upside down.' For modern readers the critical question is why late antique people would want to engage in these practices of self-punishment and self-effacement at all. Theodoret characterizes Marana and Cyra's ascetic devotion as a kind of spiritual athleticism. Schroeder explained that the women took on these goals 'on these challenging practices with joy, knowing that the 'goal' or prize of their contests is a 'crown of victory' and eternity with Christ their 'beloved.'' Luckritz Marquis agreed, saying that while there were many reasons that people practiced asceticism, the goal was 'ultimately to be closer to God.'
