Her body has now been…

A powerful flash flood struck central Texas over the July 4 holiday weekend, leaving behind a scene of devastation and grief. The disaster was triggered by a sudden and intense overnight storm that dumped nearly 15 inches of rain into the Guadalupe River basin, causing the river to rise over 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The speed and volume of the water caught many residents off guard, turning peaceful communities into disaster zones within moments.

At least **104 people have been confirmed dead**, and authorities say dozens are still missing. Emergency responders have rescued more than 850 people from floodwaters across the region, but the search for survivors continues around the clock.

**Camp Mystic Tragedy**

One of the hardest-hit locations was **Camp Mystic**, a popular Christian summer camp for girls located along the riverbank in **Kerr County**. The camp was nearly full when the floodwaters hit in the early hours of the morning. Floodwaters rushed through the lower cabins, tearing through walls and carrying away belongings, vehicles, and even people.

Twenty-seven campers and counselors are confirmed dead, and **eleven more remain missing**. Survivors described chaos, fear, and destruction. “There were kayaks in the trees, our beds floating, and people screaming,” recalled **13-year-old Stella Thompson**, a returning camper who managed to climb to safety with her cabin group.

**A Family’s Heartbreaking Loss**

Among the many stories of heartbreak is that of **21-year-old Joyce Catherine Badon**, a college student visiting friends in **Hunt, Texas**, not far from Camp Mystic. As water began flooding the house she was staying in, she sent one final text to her parents before her phone went silent. Her body was recovered days later.

Her mother, **Kellye Badon**, expressed her grief: “We lost our daughter, our sunshine. But we’re praying for her friends who are still missing.” Joyce was one of several young women staying in the area who were caught off guard by the rapidly rising water.

**Kerr County at the Epicenter**

**Kerr County** has suffered the most loss, with **84 confirmed deaths**, and emergency crews are still searching through debris and flooded areas. Other counties, including **Travis, Kendall, Burnet, Williamson**, and **Tom Green**, have also reported casualties and damage.

Governor **Greg Abbott** has declared a **state of emergency**, mobilizing resources across the state to assist with rescue efforts, cleanup, and aid for displaced residents. “This is one of the worst natural disasters in our state’s history,” Abbott said. “We will not stop until every missing person is found.”

**A State United in Grief and Support**

Across Texas, communities are mourning and rallying in support. Prayer vigils, donation drives, and relief efforts are underway in nearly every affected town. Churches have opened their doors to survivors, and volunteers are working around the clock to distribute food, water, and clothing.

Though the storm has passed, Texas faces a long recovery. But in the midst of unimaginable loss, the unity, courage, and compassion of its people continue to shine.