The July 4th weekend brought devastating floods to Central Texas, leaving heartbreak in their wake. Among the victims was 21-year-old Joyce Catherine Badon, whose body was recovered after days of searching in Hunt, Texas. Joyce had been celebrating with friends at a riverside house when a sudden flash flood swept through around 4 a.m., washing away cars and cutting off escape routes. Her parents, Ty and Kelleye Badon, confirmed her death and expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Joyce’s final moments were marked by bravery and fear—she was on the phone with a friend’s father, Thad Heartfield, when she uttered the haunting words: “They just got washed away.” Also swept away were her friends Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca, and Aidan Heartfield. Reese’s body has since been recovered, while Ella and Aidan remain missing. The search continues, though hope grows fainter with each passing hour.
Tragedy also struck Camp Mystic in Kerr County, where floodwaters tore through the grounds, claiming the lives of 9-year-old Lila Bonner and 8-year-old Eloise Peck. The best friends and cabinmates from Dallas had been among 18 girls initially reported missing. A third camper, Hadley Hanna, is still unaccounted for. Eloise’s mother described her daughter as a tender soul, an animal lover with a bright spirit and deep compassion for others.
As communities mourn, the stories of Joyce, Lila, and Eloise reveal more than individual loss—they underscore the indiscriminate power of nature and the fragility of life. From college students to children, this tragedy has touched every corner of the community. But through sorrow, it has also inspired unity, compassion, and the strength to hold each other close. In remembering them, we are reminded to cherish every moment and never take safety or love for granted.