Joyce Catherine Badon, a 21-year-old woman from Texas, was confirmed dead after going missing during the devastating flash floods in Hunt over the Fourth of July weekend. Her body was found after an intense search, her family confirmed, along with heartfelt messages honoring her life. Joyce had been swept away by floodwaters alongside friends Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca, and Aidan Heartfield after a sudden surge overwhelmed their riverside rental early in the morning.
Joyce was reportedly the last person to speak with a property owner before communication was lost. Her father, Ty, and mother, Kelleye, shared the heartbreak of her final moments and continued searching for the remaining missing friends. So far, Reese has also been confirmed deceased, while Ella and Aidan remain unaccounted for. The community has rallied in support, offering prayers and assistance during the ongoing rescue efforts.
In a separate but connected tragedy, two young campers from Dallas—8-year-old Eloise Peck and 9-year-old Lila Bonner—were confirmed among the victims of the same flooding event. The girls were best friends attending Camp Mystic in Kerr County, where floodwaters struck suddenly. Families remembered the girls for their joyful spirits, loving personalities, and close friendship. A third girl, Hadley Hanna, is still missing.
These heartbreaking losses are part of a wider tragedy that continues to impact communities across Texas. As rescue teams work tirelessly, families are leaning on faith, support networks, and each other to cope with unimaginable grief. The lives of Joyce, Eloise, and Lila are being honored not just by loved ones, but by countless strangers touched by their stories.