Tragedy in Texas: Families Mourn as Flood Claims Young Lives

The July 4, 2025, flash floods across Central Texas left behind a path of devastation. Heartbreaking stories have emerged, revealing the loss of both college students and young children — lives cut short in the chaos of rising waters.

Joyce Catherine Badon Found D**d After Days-Long Search

Joyce Catherine Badon, 21, went missing during a sudden flash flood in Hunt, Texas, over the Fourth of July weekend. Days later, her grieving family confirmed her d**th.

Her father, Ty Badon, told NBC News that rescue teams had recovered and identified her body. Her mother, Kelleye Badon, also confirmed the news in a heartfelt message, thanking supporters and expressing hope that her daughter’s friends — Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca, and Aidan Heartfield — would still be found.

A Night of Ter*or

Kelleye described the terrifying scene from early Saturday morning. Joyce and her friends had traveled to Hunt to celebrate the holiday. They stayed in a house near the river. Around 4 a.m., flash floods swept through the area, destroying vehicles and trapping the group inside.

Aidan, the son of the property owner, called his father, Thad Heartfield, as the water rushed in. Joyce, Ella, Reese, and Aidan were swept away shortly after. Thad’s final call was with Joyce — her last words: “They just got washed away.”

Desperate Search and Family Pleas

In the days following their disappearance, Ella’s sister, Mackenzie Hodulik, turned to social media for help. She shared photos and details, pleading for assistance from anyone near State Highway 39, where the group was last seen.

Ty Badon recalled the heartbreaking final moments. He confirmed that Joyce was still on the phone with Thad when the water overtook them. Meanwhile, Aidan reportedly said, “I’ve gotta go. I gotta help Ella and Reese,” before the call ended.

Heartbreaking Confirmations

The group was last spotted near 1739 State Highway 39, attempting to reach higher ground. Eventually, Mackenzie confirmed that Joyce and Reese had d**d. Ella and Aidan remain missing.

In a touching tribute, Mackenzie described Ella as “beautiful, intelligent, and loving.” She admitted feeling anger and sorrow but found some peace knowing her sister no longer suffered.

Kelleye later shared a message of spiritual comfort, saying she believed Joyce was speaking to them from heaven.

Two Best Friends Lost at Camp Mystic

The tragedy extended to Kerr County, where Camp Mystic — a summer camp for girls — was overwhelmed by floodwaters. Among the vic.tims were 9-year-old Lila Bonner and 8-year-old Eloise Peck, best friends from Dallas.

Both girls were cabinmates. They were reported missing after the flood hit the camp. On July 5, Lila’s family confirmed her d**th. Eloise’s family followed the next day, posting a sign outside their home and requesting privacy.

A Community Grieves

Reporter Kaitlyn Ross shared a statement from Eloise’s mother:
“Eloise was literally friends with everyone… She loved spaghetti, but not more than she loved dogs and animals. She had a family who loved her fiercely.”

Ross added, “She passed away alongside her best friend and cabinmate, Lila Bonner… happy, thriving, and surrounded by summer camp joy. Rest in peace, sweet girls.”

Rescue Efforts Continue

On July 4, OKCM Search and Rescue shared photos of the 18 girls still missing from Camp Mystic. By July 6, they updated the number: 11 campers and 1 counselor remained unaccounted for.

Online communities responded with support — sharing images, prayers, and hopeful messages. Many are still clinging to hope as search operations continue.

A Shared Tragedy, A Lasting Impact

From a college student swept away in the night to two children lost at summer camp, these stories reveal the profound heartbreak left in the wake of the Texas floods. The losses span generations, but the grief is shared.

As communities mourn, they honor the memories of Joyce, Lila, Eloise, and the many others affected. Their lives, though short, left a lasting mark on everyone who loved them — and even on strangers who followed their stories with heavy hearts.