The devastating **July 4 floods in Central Texas** have left a trail of heartbreak, claiming multiple lives and leaving communities shattered. Among the victims was **21-year-old Joyce Catherine Badon**, who went missing after a sudden flash flood swept through **Hunt, Texas**, while she was staying with friends. Following days of desperate searching, her body was tragically recovered, bringing both sorrow and closure to her grieving family.
Joyce’s loved ones described her final moments as deeply emotional. She had been **on the phone with the father of one of her friends** when the floodwaters surged without warning. As the group attempted to reach safety, they were overtaken by the rapidly rising current. Joyce and her three friends — **Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca, and Aidan Heartfield** — were all swept away. **Reese** has since been confirmed dead, while **Ella and Aidan** remain missing.
In a statement, Joyce’s family expressed profound grief but also gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve received from the community. Her mother shared a message of faith and hope, saying she believes Joyce is now **“watching over us from above.”**
The same powerful storm system that struck Hunt also brought tragedy to **Camp Mystic in Kerr County**, where **best friends Lila Bonner, 9, and Eloise Peck, 8**, lost their lives after floodwaters engulfed the campgrounds. Their families described them as **“joyful, full of life, and inseparable.”** Another young camper, **Hadley Hanna**, remains missing as of **July 6**, with search and rescue teams continuing their tireless efforts.
Across Texas, communities are coming together to mourn and remember the lives lost. Candlelight vigils, prayer gatherings, and volunteer efforts reflect the shared pain — and resilience — of those affected. Though the flood brought unimaginable loss, it also revealed the deep compassion and unity of Texans determined to support one another through this tragedy.
