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Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Flash flooding claimed more than 100 lives in Central Texas. Here's what we know about the victims
AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least 119 people across Central Texas are confirmed dead, including dozens of children who were attending summer camp in the Hill Country, after a weekend of catastrophic flooding. 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. MAP: Where have flash flooding fatalities been confirmed in Texas? 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.' New images show aftermath of Camp Mystic flooding 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 Mary Grace Baker, Anna Margaret Bellows, Lila Bonner, Hadley Hanna, Janie Hunt, Lainey Landry, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, Sarah Marsh, Linnie McCown, Blakely McCrory, Wynne Naylor, Eloise Peck, Renee Smajstrla, Mary Stevens and Greta Toranzo. 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.' St. Anne Catholic School in Beaumont confirmed Mary Grace Baker was among those killed at Camp Mystic. 'Mary Grace was a bright light in our close-knit school family, known for her kindness and friendship to all, her joyful spirit and her love for her faith and family,' the school posted on Instagram. 'Her giggle was contagious, as was her spirit.' The mother of Anna Margaret Bellows, 8, confirmed to KXAS that her daughter's body had been recovered. 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.' The family of Hadley Hanna, 8, confirmed she was among those killed. 'While we are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from neighbors, first responders and volunteers, we ask that the media, the public and even well-meaning individuals honor our need for space and quiet during this time,' a statement from the family read. 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.' Nine-year-old Lainey Landry was also killed in the flooding at Camp Mystic, a Facebook post by St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said. 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.' The family of Wynne Naylor confirmed to KXAS that their daughter was killed. 'There are no words to express our gratitude to everyone who supported Wynne and our entire family through this time,' a statement from the family read. 'Wynne has a great love of the outdoors, a love of God and love for her community.' The family of Eloise Peck confirmed she had been found dead. 'It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Eloise Peck has been found and is now an angel,' a statement from the family said. 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.' The parents of Greta Toranzo shared on Facebook that her daughter was among those killed. 'Greta was thrilled to return to Camp Mystic for a third summer this year,' her parents said. 'She was overjoyed to be reunited with her camp friends for weeks of fun, laughter, sports and sisterhood.' 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. 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 that ranch worker Preston Prince, 22, lost his life. Malaya Hammond, 17, and Walter Reed, 79, were also named among the victims. The son of William 'Govani' Venus, 57, 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. A fifth victim has not yet been identified. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Tragic pics of youngest victims in Texas floods from twin sisters, 8, to family member, 9, of Kansas City Chiefs owner
The flash floods that tore through Central Texas last week took the lives of over 100 people, with the count still rising as crews search for missing victims. Many of those victims were children as young as 8 years old and some are still missing. 5 5 Here are some of the youngest victims revealed, from summer camp attendees to sisters on family vacation. Anna Margaret Bellows, 8 Houston resident Anna Margaret Bellows, a camper at Camp Mystic, was confirmed as a victim by the Houston Chronicle. She was 8. Patricia Bellows, her mother, told ABC13 Houston that she had "unending gratitude for the brave camp counselors who safely evacuated so many campers, and the two camp counselors who gave their lives trying to protect my baby." Linnie McCown, 8 Austinite Linnie McCown was another 8-year-old camper at Camp Mystic who fell victim to the deadly floods. Her father, Michael, wrote in a social media post: "She filled our hearts with so much joy we cannot begin to explain. We are going to miss her so very much but know she's up there shining bright." The Washington Post wrote an article following Michael through Camp Mystic as he searched for his daughter. During his walk around the camp, he found another girl's body as he looked for Linnie. What we know so far... Torrential rain sparked deadly flash flooding around the Guadalupe River in Texas in the early morning of July 4 At least 105 people lost their lives, mostly in Kerr County, and rescue teams continue to search for missing people, but hope for survival is dimming Families of some Camp Mystic girls have confirmed their deaths Haunting pictures show empty bunks after 27 girls and counselors were killed A woman was rescued by clinging to a tree after being washed 20 miles downstream Two brothers told of their brave escape from a flooded cabin The victims include the niece of the Kansas City Chiefs' owners, a dad who died while saving his wife and kids, a beloved high school coach, and sisters who were found dead with their hands locked together Mourners gathered for a vigil Monday night to honor the victims Mary Stevens, 8 Mary Stevens was also among the victims at Camp Mystic. The 8-year-old girl was from Austin. Camp Mystic director's tragic final act to save girls from Texas floods as wall of water tore through cabins killing 27 "You have left the most positive impact on everyone who knew you. I'm the luckiest that I got to be your mom and I will never stop loving you and trying to live life as you did," her mother, Stacy Stevens, wrote, according to the Austin American-Statesman. "Fearless. Enthusiastic. Compassionate. And full of joy." Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, 8 Twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence were killed during the flooding, and the 8-year-old girls were also Camp Mystic campers. David Lawrence Jr., their grandfather, confirmed their deaths. 'Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy,' he said, according to the Detroit Free Press. 'They and that joy can never be forgotten.' The youngest victims of the Texas floods Multiple children have been confirmed to be dead after the catastrophic floods. Anna Margaret Bellows, 8 Linnie McCown, 8 Mary Stevens, 8 Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, 8 Mary Kathryn Jacobe, 8 Hadley Hanna, 8 Renee Smajstrla, 8 Sarah Marsh, 8 Janie Hunt, 9 Eloise Peck, 8 Lila Bonner, 9 Lainey Landry, 9 Blair and Brooke Harber, 13 and 11 Mary Kathryn Jacobe, 8 Mary Kathryn Jacobe also died at Camp Mystic, her death confirmed by FOX 26 Houston. "Our hearts are shattered and our words fail us,' a cousin wrote on social media. "God called Home our angel cousin, Mary Kate." Hadley Hanna, 8 Hadley Hanna, another Camp Mystic attendee, was among the 27 campers and counselors killed. Her parents sent a statement to KDFW Fox 4 asking for privacy. "The constant spotlight and inquiries — however well-intended — add to our distress. We appreciate your empathy, your prayers, and understanding." Renee Smajstrla, 8 5 Renee Smajstrla was having "the time of her life" at Camp Mystic before the tragic flooding, her uncle, Shawn Salta, said. "She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic." Sarah Marsh, 8 Sarah Marsh was also killed during the floods at Camp Mystic, according to The 8-year-old was from Alabama. 'Our family is completely devastated by the loss of Sarah and her dear friends at Camp Mystic. This is a tragedy that no parent can prepare for, and it will never be right this side of Heaven," her family said in a statement. "While we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, we request privacy as we navigate the unimaginable steps ahead." Janie Hunt, 9 Janie Hunt, a Dallas resident, was at Camp Mystic for the first time when she died. Janie was a family member of Kansas City Chief co-owner Clark Hunt. "How do we trust a God who is supposed to be good, all knowing and all powerful, but who allows such terrible things to happen — even to children," Tavia Hunt, his wife, posted on Instagram. "Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives — including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend's little girls." Eloise Peck, 8, and Lila Bonner, 9 Best friends Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner also died at the camp. The two were cabin mates and had just finished second grade at the same school. "Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals," Missy Peck, Eloise's mother, told KDFW Fox 4. "She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died." Bonner's family said in a statement: "In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time.' Lainey Landry, 9 Lainey Landry, a 9-year-old Camp Mystic camper, also died due to the flooding, according to nonprofit A Voice For The Voiceless. Houston ABC 13 reporter Travis Herzog wrote that her parents "want everyone to know she is tough, sweet, and super funny," before her body was found. Blair and Brooke Harber, 13 and 11 5 The Harber sisters were on family vacation near the Guadalupe River when the flash flooding occurred. About 12 hours later, their bodies were discovered together, holding hands. "They were believers and one of their favorite classes was religion," Jennifer said of Blair and Brooke. "Blair and I had a conversation about God and heaven two weeks earlier. They had their rosaries with them."
