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‘Hero’ dad, twin girls and riverside campers among Texas flood victims

Young attendees and staff at summer camps are among the victims of flash floods in Texas – along with teachers, a football coach, and a “hero” father who smashed open a window to free his family amid rising water.

At least 121 people have died in the disaster, according to the latest county-by-county tolls published by US media. More than 90 were in the Kerrville area.

At least 27 girls and staff died at one location, Camp Mystic, a Christian summer retreat for girls.

Many of the victims have been identified in the US media by their relatives. Here is what we know so far about those who have been named – many of whom were children.

Renee Smajstrla

Renee Smajstrla, 8, was at Camp Mystic when floodwaters swept through, her uncle said in a Facebook post.

“Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly,” wrote Shawn Salta.

“We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday,” he wrote. “She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”

Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence

Twin sisters Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, 8, also died after attending Mystic, their grandfather told the Miami Herald.

“It has been an unimaginable time for all of us,” grandfather David Lawrence Jr told the newspaper in a statement. “Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy.”

David had earlier clarified that the twins’ elder sister Harper was safe.

Chloe Childress

Chloe Childress, 18, was one of Mystic’s camp counsellors.

Her family said in a statement that she “lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith”.

“Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic.”

The headteacher of Kinkaid School, where Ms Childress was a student, said: “Chloe made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave. She understood what it meant to be part of a community, and more than that, she helped build one.”

She was due to start studies at the University of Texas in Austin later this year, ABC News reported.

Lila Bonner
Nine-year-old Lila Bonner, a Dallas native, was found dead after flooding near Camp Mystic, according to NBC News.

“In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time,” her family told the news outlet.

“We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly.”

Eloise Peck
Eloise Peck, 8, was also confirmed dead after the deluge at Camp Mystic, according to CBS News Texas. US media reported that she was best friends with Lila Bonner.

A sign posted outside Eloise Peck’s home said “she lost her life in the tragic flooding”, and asked for privacy for the family.

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