The recent devastating flash floods in Texas have claimed the lives of numerous individuals, leaving communities in mourning and search and rescue efforts ongoing. The floods, triggered by rapidly rising waters, have impacted families, summer camps, and entire towns along the Guadalupe River. Here are some of the victims who have been identified:
Malaya Grace Hammond
Seventeen-year-old Malaya Grace Hammond of Marble Falls was travelling with her family to a Christian summer camp when tragedy struck. Due to the dark and rainy conditions, the family was unaware that a bridge had been washed out in Travis County. Malaya managed to open a door, allowing her family to escape, but she was swept away by the floodwaters. Her body was recovered on Monday. A lover of the arts, Malaya expressed herself through painting, dancing, and singing. Her father, Matthew Hammond, highlighted her ability to harmonize, believing it mirrored her ability to connect with others.
Bailey Martin
Odessa Police Officer Bailey Martin lost his life in the floods near Kerrville while on a family trip to the Guadalupe River. His father, Bobby, and stepmother, Amanda, also perished in the flood. His girlfriend, Jayda Floyd, remains missing. Martin, an Odessa native, aspired to become a detective, driven by a desire to contribute to his community’s peace and safety during a time of constant change. His body was escorted back to Odessa in a procession of police and emergency vehicles.
Mollie Sylvester Schaffer
Seventy-six-year-old Mollie Sylvester Schaffer of Houston was attending an annual reunion with friends at the River Inn, located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, with her husband, Randy. Married for 57 years, the couple attempted to evacuate in their SUV as the waters rose. However, the vehicle began to float, and the doors became impossible to open. Mollie instructed Randy to dive out feet first. Randy struggled but managed to escape through the window. Mollie was swept away, sacrificing herself to ensure her husband’s safety. Her body was recovered on Sunday.
Renee Smajstrla
Eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla, a bright student from Ingram, Texas, who participated in her school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” was among the victims at Camp Mystic. She had just finished second grade and dreamed of playing the lead role in a future camp production. At school, she played a munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz”.
Sally Graves
Ninety-one-year-old Sally Sample Graves was killed when her home was swept away by the raging floodwaters. She was with her son and his dog. Graves’ son and his dog survived.
Mary Kate Jacobe
Mary Kate Jacobe, an eight-year-old from Houston, was a camper at Camp Mystic. Her family described her as “tiny but mighty” with a “smile that melted your heart.”
Joyce Catherine Badon, Ella Cahill, and Reese Manchaca
Joyce Catherine Badon, Ella Cahill, and Reese Manchaca, friends since high school, were together for the Fourth of July holiday at a home in Hunt along the Guadalupe River. All three young women were killed. Cahill’s boyfriend, who remains missing, reportedly called his father as the floodwaters engulfed them. Badon, 21, of Beaumont, was an architecture student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Manchaca was a recent graduate of Caney Creek High School in Conroe.
Mary Grace Baker
Mary Grace Baker, a recent first communicant, was a victim at Camp Mystic. The school described her as a “bright light” known for her kindness, joyful spirit, and love for her faith and family.
Julian Ryan
Julian Ryan of Ingram, Texas, lost his life while saving his family from the floodwaters. He reportedly severed an artery in his arm while breaking a window to help his fiancée, their children, and his mother escape to the roof.
James and Cindy Rushing
James and Cindy Rushing were camping along the Guadalupe River at the HTR TX Hill Country Campground when the flooding occurred.
Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence
Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, eight-year-old twin sisters from Dallas, were among the victims at Camp Mystic. They had just finished second grade.
Reece and Paula Zunker
Reece Zunker was a passionate educator and soccer coach at Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas. His wife, Paula Zunker, was a former teacher at the same school. The couple’s young children, Lyle and Holland, are still missing. The family had been staying at a river house in Hunt.
Dick Eastland
Dick Eastland, the director of Camp Mystic, also perished in the floods. He was remembered as a father figure to many campers.
Chloe Childress
Chloe Childress, a 19-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic, also died in the floods. She had just graduated from the Kinkaid School in Houston.
Janie Hunt
Janie Hunt, a relative of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, was just nine years old.
Tanya Burwick
Tanya Burwick’s family last heard from her during a frantic phone call about the floodwaters as she headed to work at a Walmart. Her unoccupied SUV was found fully submerged, and her body was found nearby the next morning.
Jane Ragsdale
Jane Ragsdale, 68, devoted her life to Heart O’the Hills Camp, a summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country. She was a camper and counselor before becoming a co-owner and director.
Sarah Marsh
Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh from Alabama had been attending Camp Mystic.
Blair and Brooke Harber
Sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, students at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, were staying alongside the Guadalupe River when their cabin was swept away. Their parents were safe, but their grandparents are unaccounted for.
The search and rescue efforts continue, and communities are coming together to support those affected by this tragic event. The outpouring of grief and support highlights the profound impact of these losses on families and communities throughout Texas and beyond.