Twin Sisters, 8, Lost in Texas Floods at Camp Mystic, 14-Year-Old Sister Survives

On a summer day meant for laughter and adventure, a sudden disaster struck a beloved girls’ summer camp in Texas.

Camp Mystic, a Christian camp nestled along the Guadalupe River, became the center of a tragedy that shook families and communities across the state.

Heavy rains on July 4, 2025, caused the river to rise rapidly, leading to devastating floods that claimed many lives. Among the victims were two young sisters, whose story has touched the hearts of many.

Texas Floods at Camp Mystic: A Joyful Summer Turned Tragic

Camp Mystic has been a cherished place for girls to make memories for nearly a century. Located in Hunt, Texas, the camp welcomes hundreds of girls each summer to enjoy activities like swimming, horseback riding, and building friendships.

On July 4, 2025, about 750 girls were at the camp, ready for a fun holiday weekend. But in the early morning hours, a massive storm brought nearly a foot of rain, causing the Guadalupe River to surge.

The water rose 26 feet in less than an hour, sweeping through cabins where campers were sleeping. The floods left destruction in their wake, with mud-covered bunk beds and scattered belongings marking the chaos.

Among the campers were 8-year-old twin sisters, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence from Dallas. The twins had just finished second grade and were excited to be at camp with their 14-year-old sister, Harper.

The twins were the granddaughters of newspaper publisher David Lawrence Jr. Lawrence confirmed their death and told the Herald in a statement:

“It has been an unimaginable time for all of us. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy”.They and that joy can never be forgotten.”

Their parents, John and Lacy Lawrence, described them as joyful girls who brought happiness to everyone around them.

The parents wrote, “Hanna and Rebecca brought so much joy to us, to their big sister Harper, and to so many others”.We will find ways to keep that joy, and to continue to spread it for them. But we are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared, is now frozen in time. Thank you for the love and support.”

Harper, however, was among those who made it to safety, leaving the family to grieve the loss of the twins while holding onto their surviving daughter.

A Community in Mourning

How are families coping with the loss of loved ones in the Texas floods at Camp Mystic?

The tragedy at Camp Mystic claimed at least 27 lives, including campers and counselors. The camp’s longtime director, Dick Eastland, also lost his life while trying to save the girls.

His grandson shared that Eastland was a hero who cared deeply for every camper. Other victims included 8-year-old Linnie McCown, 9-year-old Janie Hunt, and 8-year-old Lila Bonner, all remembered as bright and loving children.

As of July 7, 2025, 10 campers and one counselor were still missing, with search and rescue teams working tirelessly along the Guadalupe River.

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reported that 84 people died in the county alone, with a total of at least 104 deaths across Central Texas.

The community has come together to support the affected families, with organizations like the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country setting up relief funds.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited the camp, describing the scene as “horrendously ravaged.” President Trump also approved a disaster declaration to provide federal aid.

Questions About Safety and Recovery

The floods have raised concerns about the safety of camps located near rivers. Some have questioned whether enough warnings were issued by the National Weather Service, though alerts were sent out hours before the flooding began.

Camp Mystic had no power or Wi-Fi during the storm, making communication difficult. Stories of bravery have emerged, like counselors who broke windows to help girls escape and campers who swam through dangerous waters to reach safety.

As the region braces for more rain, the focus remains on finding the missing and helping families heal.

The loss of Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, along with other young lives, has left a deep mark on Texas. Their family vows to keep their joy alive, even as they face unimaginable grief.

The tragedy at Camp Mystic serves as a reminder of nature’s power and the strength of communities coming together in times of loss.

You might also want to read: Texas Floods Live Updates: 104 Lives Lost, Including 27 at Camp Mystic, Search Continues