Hunt, Texas – In a devastating public statement, John Lawrence, a Dallas-based attorney, has confirmed that his 8-year-old twin daughters, Hanna and Rebecca, were among the victims of the mysterious and deadly flood that struck Camp Mystic over the Fourth of July weekend.
🌊 Flash Flood Turns Summer Camp into Nightmare
In the early morning hours of July 4, the usually serene Guadalupe River rose by more than 20 feet in under two hours, turning the historic girls’ summer camp into a scene of chaos and destruction. The flood killed over 120 people, including dozens of young campers, pastors, and staff. More than 160 remain missing, according to officials.
Camp Mystic, located in Kerr County, had hosted around 750 girls for its summer session.
👧 Hanna and Rebecca: Bright, Loving, and Full of Dreams
The Lawrence twins were finishing second grade at University Park Elementary. Hanna dreamed of becoming a chef so she could open a restaurant to feed the homeless, while Rebecca loved animals and wanted to be a teacher. Their father described them as “vibrant, inseparable, and full of life.”
The girls attended the camp with their parents and 14-year-old sister Harper, who survived the flood. But Hanna and Rebecca were tragically swept away.
📝 A Father’s Heartbreak
In a message released through family friends, John and Lacy Lawrence wrote:
“Hanna and Rebecca brought immeasurable joy to our lives and to their sister Harper. The bond they shared was unlike any other, and though they’re no longer with us, the light they carried will live on.”
Their grandfather, David Lawrence Jr., a well-known advocate for children’s education and former publisher of the Miami Herald, added:
“We are shattered. These girls were pure joy. We will honor their spirit forever.”
🏕️ Camp Mystic’s Legacy and Tragedy
Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic is a Christian summer camp beloved by generations of Texas families. The July 4th flood was unprecedented in its scale and speed. Nearly all cabins along the river were destroyed. So far, 27 campers and counselors have been confirmed dead, with 6 still missing.
The camp has pledged to cooperate fully with investigations and provide ongoing support for grieving families.
🧡 One Final Gift
Before the flood hit, Hanna and Rebecca had left behind a handmade drawing and note in their cabin. The image, later recovered by search teams, showed the two girls holding hands beneath a bright sun with the words:
“We love you, Mommy and Daddy. We’re having so much fun!”
The note has since gone viral, moving millions to tears across social media.
🕯️ A Nation in Mourning
The Lawrence family joins dozens of others mourning the loss of children and loved ones, including victims such as Brooke and Blair Harber, Hadley Hanna, Eloise Peck, and Mary Grace Baker. Vigils are being held across Texas as communities unite in grief and remembrance.
Though the pain is immeasurable, the family hopes the joy and love that Hanna and Rebecca brought into the world will continue to inspire others.