Twin sisters, 8, among dozens killed in devastating Texas flood at Camp Mystic
Guadalupe River flash flood claims lives of young campers and staff, including granddaughters of former Miami Herald publisher
An 8-year-old twin pair, Hanna and Rebecca, were among the 27 victims from Camp Mystic after flash floods swept through the Texas Hill Country during the July 4th weekend. Their 14-year-old sister survived.
What was meant to be a season of friendship and outdoor adventures ended in disaster when a wall of water surged through Camp Mystic, a longtime Christian summer retreat on the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. The flash flood — fueled by days of heavy rain — overwhelmed the area with little warning, killing over 100 people across the region.
Among the dead were twin sisters Hanna and Rebecca, just 8 years old, who had just finished second grade at University Park Elementary School in Dallas. Their older sister Harper, 14, survived.
“They gave their parents and all in our family so much joy,” said their grandfather, David Lawrence Jr., in a statement. Lawrence, a former publisher of the Miami Herald and Detroit Free Press, is a prominent children’s advocate who later founded The Children’s Movement of Florida.
The girls’ parents, John and Lacy Lawrence, both attorneys, expressed their sorrow in a message shared through NBC News: “We are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared with each other, is now frozen in time.”
The tragedy has deeply affected their school community as well. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families affected,” University Park Elementary said in a public statement.
Camp Mystic in mourning
Camp Mystic, where the girls had been attending, confirmed that 27 individuals — campers and staff — were among those who lost their lives. Search and rescue teams remain on site, with 10 campers and one counselor still missing. Even the camp’s longtime owner, Richard “Dick” Eastland, was among those killed.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha emphasized the scale of the disaster and ongoing recovery efforts, while camp staff shared: “Our hearts are broken. We are praying for every family.”
David Lawrence Jr.’s career has focused on improving life for children across Florida, including championing free pre-kindergarten education. Now, he faces a personal loss that echoes the very cause he’s devoted his life to.
As recovery continues and communities come to terms with the scale of the loss, the story of Hanna and Rebecca — two sisters full of life — resonates far beyond Texas. Their joy, their bond, and their sudden absence remind us how fragile and precious life is.
In moments of loss, we are reminded to hold tight to those we love — and to value every shared moment.
