Tragedy in Texas: Communities Grieve as Flash Floods Claim Young Lives
Central Texas – July 4, 2025
What began as a celebratory weekend ended in heartbreak, as sudden flash floods tore through Central Texas, leaving a devastating path of destruction and sorrow. Among the many impacted were young lives full of promise—college students, campers, and children—lost in the chaos of rising waters.
Joyce Catherine Badon, 21, Found Deceased After Harrowing Search
Joyce Catherine Badon, a 21-year-old college student, vanished during a violent flash flood in Hunt, Texas, over the holiday weekend. After an agonizing multi-day search, her parents confirmed the devastating news: Joyce’s body had been recovered and identified.
Her father, Ty Badon, shared the news with NBC News, while her mother, Kelleye Badon, offered a heartfelt message thanking the community for its support and prayers. Kelleye also expressed her enduring hope for the safe return of Joyce’s friends—Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca, and Aidan Heartfield—who remain missing.
“They Just Got Washed Away”: A Night of Terror
The early hours of July 5 were marked by panic and chaos. Joyce and her friends had traveled to Hunt to celebrate the holiday, staying in a home near the river. Around 4 a.m., flash floods surged through the area, sweeping away cars and trapping the group.
Aidan Heartfield, the son of the property’s owner, called his father, Thad Heartfield, as the water surged. In that call, Joyce was still alive. Thad’s final words from her were chilling:
“They just got washed away.”
In another desperate moment, Aidan was heard saying, “I’ve gotta go. I gotta help Ella and Reese,” before the line went dead.
Desperate Searches and Final Confirmations
The group was last seen near 1739 State Highway 39, trying to escape to higher ground. In the aftermath, Ella’s sister, Mackenzie Hodulik, took to social media, pleading for help and sharing their last known location and photos.
Eventually, Joyce and Reese were confirmed dead. Ella and Aidan remain missing.
Mackenzie remembered her sister Ella as “beautiful, intelligent, and loving,” sharing both heartbreak and peace in knowing she is no longer in pain. Joyce’s mother, Kelleye, also found comfort in faith, saying she believed her daughter was speaking to them “from heaven.”
Camp Mystic Tragedy: Best Friends Lost
The floodwaters also overwhelmed Camp Mystic, a beloved summer camp for girls in Kerr County. Among the youngest victims were two best friends from Dallas—9-year-old Lila Bonner and 8-year-old Eloise Peck.
The two shared a cabin and a joyful friendship. Lila’s family confirmed her death on July 5. Eloise’s family followed the next day, asking for privacy as they mourned.
In a statement, Eloise’s mother described her daughter as a vibrant soul:
“Eloise was friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti, but not more than she loved animals. She had a family who loved her fiercely.”
Journalist Kaitlyn 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.”
Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Hope Amid Grief
As of July 6, rescue teams were still searching for survivors. OKCM Search and Rescue shared that 11 campers and one counselor remained missing from Camp Mystic. The online community rallied, posting prayers, photos, and words of support as the search continued.
A Shared Tragedy, A Lasting Impact
The Texas flash floods have left behind a collective grief felt by families, friends, and strangers alike. From college students full of promise to children enjoying the magic of summer camp, their lives—though tragically brief—touched many.
As communities across the state come together in mourning, they honor the memories of Joyce, Lila, Eloise, and all those affected. Their stories will not be forgotten.