Latest news with #JanieHunt
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Camp Hit by Devastating Texas Floods Shares Tragic Update: ‘Our Hearts Are Broken'
A summer camp ravaged by the deadly floods sweeping across central Texas has shared a heartbreaking update on its death toll after the disaster. 'Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors following the catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe river,' the camp posted to its website Monday. 'Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.' The organization said a number of its staff are among the dead, although the exact figure has not yet been disclosed. They added they remain in communication with state and local emergency responders as they continue 'deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.' 'We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level,' it added. 'We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected. May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us.' A more than 100-year-old private Christian summer camp for girls, Camp Mystic found itself suddenly deluged by powerful floodwaters late last week after the nearby river surged following a spate of severe thunderstorms. As of early afternoon Monday, the death toll in the region stands at 82 and rising. Three of the deceased campers have already been identified: Janie Hunt, 9; Renee Smajstrla, 8; and Sarah Marsh, 8. Hunt was a cousin of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, and great-granddaughter of oil billionaire William Herbert Hunt. Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor, is among the staff known to have died when the waters swept through the site, along with camp director Dick Eastland as he attempted to save a number of the girls from going under. Both President Donald Trump and his former cost-cutting chief Elon Musk have faced increasing public criticism as the disaster has unfolded for their deep cuts to public weather services under DOGE, not least after Texas officials said forecasting failures had left residents wholly unprepared for the deluge. The president has said he will 'probably' visit the scene of the deadly flash floods on Friday.
The Hill
09-07-2025
- General
- The Hill
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. 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.
Fox News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Gracie Hunt, daughter of Chiefs owners, mourns loss of young relative killed in Texas floods
Graice Hunt, the daughter of Kansas City Chiefs owners Clark and Tavia Hunt, mourned the loss of a 9-year-old relative who died in the devastating Texas floods over the weekend. Janie Hunt was one of the dozens of children at Camp Mystic who died in the floods. She was just 9 years old. Gracie Hunt posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram as devastating news continued to pour out of the county where Camp Mystic was. "Some days, it's hard to understand how the world can hold both so much beauty and so much pain. How can the same God who created the stars and set the planets in motion allow such deep suffering? The truth is, we live in a broken world – one that groans for redemption," she wrote citing a passage from Romans. "But Scripture promises that one day, Christ will make all things new – a new heaven and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13). "My heart aches for our extended family and friends who lost daughters – for every life lost and every family shattered by the floods in Texas. I don't have easy answers, but I do know this: following Jesus doesn't spare us from pain – but it means we never face it alone. "Even in the darkest valleys, we hold on to the hope that this is not the end of the story." The flash floods killed more than 100 people in the state. In Kerr County, home to youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 84 people, including 28 children, officials said on Monday. Ten girls and a counselor were still unaccounted for at Camp Mystic. President Donald Trump also told reporters in Morristown, New Jersey, on Sunday that he would likely be visiting Texas on Friday. "We've been in touch with Gov. Abbott and very close to Gov. Abbott. And, everybody in Texas. Kristi Noem has, as you know, been there and will continue to be there. And we're working very close with representatives from Texas," Trump said. "And it's a horrible thing that took place. Absolutely horrible. So we say, God bless all of the people that have gone through so much, and God bless the state of Texas. This incredible place." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
NBC Sports
08-07-2025
- Climate
- NBC Sports
Clark Hunt's 9-year-old relative dies in the Texas floods
Janie Hunt, the 9-year-old cousin of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, died in the fatal floods in Texas last week. According to the Dallas Morning News, Janie Hunt of Dallas was one of the missing campers from Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country. Her body was found and identified Saturday afternoon. She was the great-granddaughter of late American oil baron William Herbert Hunt. Clark Hunt's wife, Tavia, posted a message of faith and grief on Instagram. 'Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods . . . and the tragic loss of so many lives – including a precious Hunt cousin, along with several friends' little girls,' Tavia Hunt wrote. More than 100 people have died in the flooding in Texas since Friday, including at least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic. Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter told Fox News his two grandchildren, who were Janie Hunt's cousins, survived. The Cowboys and Texans each contributed $500,000 for flood relief.
Toronto Sun
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Toronto Sun
Young relative of Kansas City Chiefs owner dies in Texas floods
Janie Hunt, a nine-year-old relative of Clark Hunt, died in the tragic flooding at Camp Mystic. Janie Hunt died in the flooding at Camp Mystic this past weekend. Twitter Tragedy struck the Hunt family, which owns the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, this weekend as flooding has devastated parts of Texas. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Janie Hunt, a nine-year-old cousin in the family, was one of the Camp Mystic campers who died in the natural disaster. '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,' Tavia Hunt, the wife of Clark Hunt, wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday. '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? 'That is a sacred and tender question — and one the Bible doesn't shy away from. Scripture is filled with the cries of those whose hearts have been shattered, who still wrestle to trust the same God they believe allowed the pain.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Tavia also shared several quotes from the Bible to express her heartbreak. 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who crushed in spirit,' she wrote, quoting Psalm 34:18. The camp reportedly said that 27 campers and counsellors had died in the incident. 🚨 BREAKING: Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic, confirms 27 campers and counselors are among the deceased in the Texas heartbreaking. Please keep praying for these girls and their families. I can't imagine how they feel right now 🙏🏻 — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 7, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. According to reports, Janie was the great-granddaughter of the late William Herbert Hunt, who was the brother of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt. Clark Hunt is the son of Lamar and has owned the team since 2005, the year before Lamar died. Read More As of Monday morning, the death toll in the Texas Hill Country reportedly has reached 82 after massive rains led to the flooding of the Guadalupe River. With more rain forecast for the area, even further damage is expected. Sunshine Girls World Toronto Raptors World Music
