Parents of Camp Mystic Victims Detail Grief Journey After Texas Flood

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The Texas floods left devastation and heartache in their wake.

Among those deeply impacted by the tragic incident are the parents of campers at Camp Mystic, where a total of 27 lives – both campers and counselors – were lost. Two months on, the parents of seven deceased campers – namely Hadley Hanna, Cile Steward, Mary Barrett Stevens, Molly Dewitt, Virginia Hollis, Lila Bonner, and Abby Pohl – are discussing how they have coped with their grief under these extremely difficult circumstances.

When speaking with Jenna Bush Hager on Today, Caitlin Bonner, Lila’s mother, shared that “This isn’t the kind of nightmare I ever imagined for my daughter.

For the parents of Camille, Will Steward and Cici Steward, particularly Cici who spent twelve summers at Camp Mystic as both a camper and a counselor, inspiring their daughter to follow suit – this situation presents a singularly distressing scenario: their daughter Camille is still missing.

Each time the phone rings or a message pings, my heart skips a beat, praying it’s the news that they’ve located our little one.” -Will

Currently, they recall their daughter as someone with a strong inclination towards leadership. Moreover, he notes that she showed greater concern for others’ feelings compared to her own.

Each parent, mourning their child’s loss, shared stories about who their child truly was. Hadley was celebrated as a spirited and loving soul; Lila was the family’s beating heart; Abby was remembered for her gift of making people laugh; Mary Barrett was the first daughter in her family; Virginia’s parents recollected a girl who couldn’t resist playing the piano; Molly was someone who consistently gave her all.

 

For now, the grieving parents are leaning on each other.

Abby’s mother, Kristin Pohl, commented, ‘It seems as though we’ve all grown very close.’ She added, ‘A beacon of hope amidst all the sorrow and despair.’

Ryan mentioned about himself and his wife, Elizabeth DeWitt, saying, “Occasionally, we remark, ‘I sure hope we never lose memory of who Molly was.’ The Heaven’s 27 family serves as our means to ensure that the world will never forget these young ladies.

For tributes shared after the devastating floods, keep reading.

While they grieve and recover, the parents are simultaneously working towards preventing such a tragedy from occurring in the future. They’ve started advocating for a Texas bill named the “Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act.” This legislation aims to introduce stricter safety standards for youth camps and campgrounds throughout the state.

In simpler terms, Blake Bonner, Lila’s father, stated emphatically that the situation wasn’t a mere accident, but rather a consequence of carelessness. He firmly believes that with proper precautions, such an incident could have been entirely avoided.

Molly’s father, Ryan DeWitt, commented, “The provisions in this bill are essentially the least they should aim for when it comes to what these camps ought to offer.

For numerous parents who have lost their children, they view the legislation as a means to preserve and uphold the memory of their offspring. “It would be a gross injustice not to pursue this,” John Stevens, father of Mary Barrett, explained, “if we were not to carry on with this and bring it to completion.

Camp Mystic, for its part, has previously shared a statement supporting legislative measures.

For now, the grieving parents are leaning on each other.

Abby’s mother, Kristin Pohl, remarked that we seem to have grown very close. She considered it as a beacon of hope amidst all our sorrow and hardship.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but express my feelings. Alongside my beloved partner, Elizabeth DeWitt, we often find ourselves reminiscing, “Oh, may we never forget the charm of Molly.” The Heaven’s 27 family, for us, serves as a sacred pledge, ensuring that these extraordinary girls are forever etched in everyone’s memory.

For tributes shared after the devastating floods, keep reading.

At Camp Mystic, the host of Jenna & Friends announced that Laura Bush, a previous First Lady, had worked as a drama therapist. Tragically, at least 27 girls and counselors lost their lives there due to the severe flooding on the Guadalupe River, according to reports up to July 7th.

Jenna shared on Today’s show, on July 7th, that her mother worked as a counselor at the camp, and numerous friends of hers had grown up there. She emphasized that camps in Texas are long-standing establishments where multiple family members, spanning generations, have attended. This particular camp had celebrated its centennial anniversary, with grandmothers, mothers, and children having all been part of it.

Last week, Jenna commended the community for uniting in the face of adversity, as she mentioned that several of her friends and their children were present.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve been moved by the tales I’ve encountered over the past few days – stories that are at once breathtakingly beautiful and heart-wrenchingly sad. Yet, what truly stands out about Texas is their remarkable resilience. They are a community of compassionate individuals who, in times of hardship, extend a helping hand with unwavering generosity.

As a devoted advocate, I can’t help but express the unique charm of Texas camps. Imagining sweltering 90-degree weather without air conditioning might seem odd at first, but it’s all part of the magic. Currently, my children are immersed in this very Texas camp experience, and even with the heatwave, I find myself justifying our decision to my husband. The reason lies in the profound love that permeates these camps, a love that transcends the weather conditions.

The actress from the movie “13 Going on 30“, who hails from Houston, expressed her sympathies on her Instagram Stories on July 6, using a red heart emoji to say, “May Texas and God be close at hand.

The actor from the movie “Interstellar” and his spouse appealed to others for assistance during these challenging times, asking them to extend a helping hand.

A tragic event has claimed at least 70 lives, with many more missing, and countless Texas residents are suffering, both emotionally and physically. The coming days will be tough, but during this time of shock, grief, and confusion, what’s needed is the reassuring presence of a helping hand from a fellow neighbor.

A professor from the University of Texas at Austin, along with the research subject, reached a consensus: “Texans are among the most resourceful and benevolent individuals worldwide.

 

In a heartfelt message on Instagram on July 6, the former star of “Lizzie McGuire” expressed her deep sorrow and sadness, stating that her feelings went beyond mere heartbreak as she grappled with the devastating floods.

As a lifestyle expert, I can’t help but empathize deeply with those who have been affected by the recent disaster. I’ve found myself utterly consumed, even obsessed with the hope that somehow, somewhere, a child might be found alive amidst this catastrophic event. The thought of families receiving devastating news, waiting in agony, or whole families disappearing without a trace is almost too much to bear. It’s a heartache that defies comprehension.

Gorgeous Texas, my affection for you knows no bounds,” she went on. “To every foot soldier out there – I hold you dear. To those who’ve been struck by heart-wrenching, insurmountable loss – we capture their radiant visages in our memories.

Hillarry, who spent her childhood years at the local Camp Longhorn too, stressed the deep impact it had on her heart, saying it “leaves a lasting impression” or “it carves memories deeply into one’s spirit.

She penned that she was, and will always be, the girl with a spirited, intense affection for her carefree summers spent barefoot at camp in the Texas Hill Country. This experience shaped her identity profoundly, offering a realm of genuine magic. Yet, an ending so tragic never seemed imaginable. She is immeasurably sorry for the loss you’ve endured. The grief touches hearts far and wide.

Shakira, known for her hit “Hips Don’t Lie,” announced on X (previously Twitter) on July 5th that she will be contributing part of the earnings from her San Antonio concert to Catholic Charities of San Antonio. This organization is assisting families affected by disaster with relief efforts.

As an ardent follower of the Kardashian clan, my heart goes out to all those impacted by the devastating flash flood. The pain in my heart is profound for each parent, every family member, and every community affected.

She expressed her deep concern on Instagram Stories on July 6, stating that she couldn’t stop thinking about the families in Texas who are currently suffering an unimaginable pain. As a mother herself, such a tragedy resonates deeply within her, reaching places where words fall short. The loss of those young, innocent children is something she finds difficult to comprehend fully. She struggles to find the right words to express the enormity of this situation.

Kris Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, revealed that she is finding it difficult to accept and cope with the devastation left by the natural disaster.

She expressed deep sorrow on Instagram Stories about the heart-wrenching floods in Texas, especially the unspeakable grief over the lost children. The situation is inconceivably sad and emotionally overwhelming.

Oh, life can be so delicate and sometimes painfully unequal, it’s just heart-wrenching. To those enduring this unimaginable hardship, know that you’re not alone in your struggle. We’re keeping you close to our hearts, sending endless prayers for resilience, and sharing in your grief every step of the way.

The actress from “Even Stevens” shared that she and her spouse, Brendan Rooney, had contemplated enrolling their 7-year-old child, Isabella, at Camp Mystic.

In her Instagram Stories on July 6, she stated, “Many individuals I’m acquainted with enroll their children in this place, some of whom have only recently found their children after being separated, or who are still unsure of their whereabouts.

On July 6th, the actress from “This Is Us” posted a video on her Instagram Stories featuring the missing girls from Camp Mystic. In the caption, she expressed thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by the devastating floods in Texas, particularly the families of these girls, finding such events unimaginable.

The reporter expressed that she’s sending her heartfelt support to the families in Texas, conveying this message on Instagram on July 6: “At this moment, let’s encircle them with a bond of love.

She urged us all to come together to support the Camp Mystic participants and staff. As a fellow parent, she shared that her heart goes out to everyone dealing with the loss, expressing empathy for each individual.

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2025-09-04 21:47