What was meant to be a joyful summer of childhood adventure turned into an unspeakable tragedy when twin sisters, just 8 years old, lost their lives in a devastating flash flood that swept through Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. What had once been a beloved Christian summer retreat nestled along the Guadalupe River became the site of heartbreak and loss as a sudden surge of water engulfed the camp over the July 4th weekend.
The sisters, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, were among the dozens of children and counselors caught in the torrent. Their older sister, 14-year-old Harper, miraculously survived the ordeal. The three siblings had attended the camp together, like many summers before, to enjoy nature, friendship, and the kind of simple joy only childhood can bring. This time, however, nature proved cruel and unrelenting.
The twins were the granddaughters of David Lawrence Jr., the former publisher of the Miami Herald and Detroit Free Press. Lawrence, who has dedicated much of his life to championing children’s rights and education, shared his grief in a public statement:
“It has been an unimaginable time for all of us,” he said. “Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy, their sister Harper, and all in our family so much joy. They, and that joy, can never be forgotten.”
John and Lacy Lawrence, both attorneys based in Dallas, also released a statement expressing their heartbreak. “Hanna and Rebecca brought so much joy to us, to their big sister Harper, and to so many others,” they wrote. “We will find ways to keep that joy alive and continue to spread it for them. But we are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared with each other, is now frozen in time.”
The twins had just finished second grade at University Park Elementary School in Dallas, where they were remembered by teachers and classmates as bright, curious, and full of life. In a message to the school community, officials wrote, “We are deeply saddened to report the loss of multiple students. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families impacted by this unimaginable tragedy.”
The flood that claimed their lives was part of a massive weather event that battered central Texas, pushing rivers well past their limits. The Guadalupe River, typically serene in summer, rose rapidly, unleashing a torrent that consumed cabins, vehicles, and everything in its path. Camp Mystic, which had stood for generations as a safe haven for youth, was completely overtaken.
As of now, the death toll from the Texas floods has surpassed 100, with 27 of those lost having direct ties to Camp Mystic — including campers and staff. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that at least ten campers and one counselor are still missing. Even the camp’s longtime owner, Richard “Dick” Eastland, was among the deceased. His leadership had been a defining force in the camp’s decades-long legacy.
In a statement, the camp expressed its grief:
“Our hearts are broken alongside the families enduring this tragedy. We are praying for them constantly. We remain in constant communication with state and local authorities who are working tirelessly to locate the missing and support affected families.”
David Lawrence Jr., now retired, is well known in Florida and beyond for founding The Children’s Movement of Florida, an organization focused on early childhood education. His legacy includes a constitutional amendment that made free pre-kindergarten available to all 4-year-olds in the state. That a man who spent his life advocating for children would now lose two beloved granddaughters in such a senseless event is a sorrow almost too great to bear.
The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate families. Communities in Texas and across the country have come together in mourning. Vigils have been held, tributes shared, and strangers have reached out to the grieving with donations, cards, and messages of support.
The Lawrence family, despite their profound grief, has asked that people remember Hanna and Rebecca for the joy they brought into the world — the laughter they shared, the kindness they spread, the memories they helped create.
“We are trying to hold onto that joy,” their parents said. “We don’t want their lives to be defined by how they ended, but by how they made the world brighter in the time they were here.”
As we reflect on the fragility of life, stories like Hanna and Rebecca’s serve as painful reminders to cherish every moment, to treasure every hug, and to never assume that tomorrow is guaranteed. These were two little girls with big hearts, endless energy, and dreams still forming. Though their time was far too short, their light touched many.
Tonight, families across the nation are holding their children a little tighter. And for Hanna and Rebecca, whose bond even death could not break, the world will remember — not just how they were lost, but how they lived.