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The flash floods that swept through Central Texas last week resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals, with the number still climbing as search teams continue to look for missing persons.
Many of those victims were children as young as 8 years old and some are still missing.
Here are some of the youngest victims revealed, from summer camp attendees to sisters on family vacation.
Anna Margaret Bellows, 8
Houston resident Anna Margaret Bellows, a camper at Camp Mystic, was confirmed as a victim by the Houston Chronicle.
She was 8.
Patricia Bellows, the victim’s mother, expressed to ABC13 Houston her “unending gratitude for the courageous camp counselors who safely evacuated numerous campers, and the two camp counselors who sacrificed their lives trying to save my child.”
Linnie McCown, 8
Austinite Linnie McCown was another 8-year-old camper at Camp Mystic who fell victim to the deadly floods.
Her father, Michael, shared on social media: “She brought us immense joy that we can hardly put into words. We will miss her dearly but take comfort in knowing she’s up there shining brightly.”
The Washington Post wrote an article following Michael through Camp Mystic as he searched for his daughter. During his walk around the camp, he found another girl’s body as he looked for Linnie.
What we know so far…
Mary Stevens, 8
Mary Stevens was also among the victims at Camp Mystic. The 8-year-old girl was from Austin.
“You have left the most positive impact on everyone who knew you. I’m the luckiest that I got to be your mom and I will never stop loving you and trying to live life as you did,” her mother, Stacy Stevens, wrote, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
“Fearless. Enthusiastic. Compassionate. And full of joy.”
Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, 8
Twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence were killed during the flooding, and the 8-year-old girls were also Camp Mystic campers.
David Lawrence Jr., their grandfather, confirmed their deaths.
“Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy,” he said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “They and that joy can never be forgotten.”
The youngest victims of the Texas floods
Multiple children have been confirmed to be dead after the catastrophic floods.
- Anna Margaret Bellows, 8
- Linnie McCown, 8
- Mary Stevens, 8
- Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, 8
- Mary Kathryn Jacobe, 8
- Hadley Hanna, 8
- Renee Smajstrla, 8
- Sarah Marsh, 8
- Janie Hunt, 9
- Eloise Peck, 8
- Lila Bonner, 9
- Lainey Landry, 9
- Blair and Brooke Harber, 13 and 11
Mary Kathryn Jacobe, 8
Mary Kathryn Jacobe also died at Camp Mystic, her death confirmed by FOX 26 Houston.
“Our hearts are shattered and our words fail us,” a cousin wrote on social media. “God called Home our angel cousin, Mary Kate.”
Hadley Hanna, 8
Hadley Hanna, another Camp Mystic attendee, was among the 27 campers and counselors killed.
Her parents sent a statement to KDFW Fox 4 asking for privacy.
“The constant spotlight and inquiries — however well-intended — add to our distress. We appreciate your empathy, your prayers, and understanding.”
Renee Smajstrla, 8
Renee Smajstrla was having “the time of her life” at Camp Mystic before the tragic flooding, her uncle, Shawn Salta, said.
“She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”
Sarah Marsh, 8
Sarah Marsh was also killed during the floods at Camp Mystic, according to AL.com.
The 8-year-old was from Alabama.
“Our family is completely devastated by the loss of Sarah and her dear friends at Camp Mystic. This is a tragedy that no parent can prepare for, and it will never be right this side of Heaven,” her family said in a statement.
“While we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, we request privacy as we navigate the unimaginable steps ahead.”
Janie Hunt, 9
Janie Hunt, a Dallas resident, was at Camp Mystic for the first time when she died.
Janie was a family member of Kansas City Chief co-owner Clark Hunt.
“How do we trust a God who is supposed to be good, all knowing and all powerful, but who allows such terrible things to happen — even to children,” Tavia Hunt, his wife, posted on Instagram.
“Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives — including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls.“
Eloise Peck, 8, and Lila Bonner, 9
Best friends Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner also died at the camp.
The two were cabin mates and had just finished second grade at the same school.
“Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals,” Missy Peck, Eloise’s mother, told KDFW Fox 4. “She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died.”
Bonner’s family said in a statement: “In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time.”
Lainey Landry, 9
Lainey Landry, a 9-year-old Camp Mystic camper, also died due to the flooding, according to nonprofit A Voice For The Voiceless.
Houston ABC 13 reporter Travis Herzog wrote that her parents “want everyone to know she is tough, sweet, and super funny,” before her body was found.
Blair and Brooke Harber, 13 and 11
The Harber sisters were on family vacation near the Guadalupe River when the flash flooding occurred.
About 12 hours later, their bodies were discovered together, holding hands.
“They were believers and one of their favorite classes was religion,” Jennifer said of Blair and Brooke.
“Blair and I had a conversation about God and heaven two weeks earlier. They had their rosaries with them.”
