The devastating floods that swept through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend have claimed the lives of two young girls from Dallas, leaving their families and community in deep mourning.
Following the flash floods that struck on the night of Friday, July 4, 2025, authorities confirmed on Sunday, July 6, that two best friends — 9-year-old Lila Bonner and 8-year-old Eloise Peck — were among the victims.
Lila and Eloise were attending Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, where they shared a cabin. The two girls tragically lost their lives together during the flooding.
Bonner and Peck were among three girls from Dallas who had gone missing at Camp Mystic. Several other campers were also reported unaccounted for. As of July 6, the third missing Dallas girl, Hadley Hanna, had not yet been found.
Lila Bonner’s family confirmed her passing on Saturday, July 5. The following day, Eloise Peck’s family displayed a sign outside their home stating that “she lost her life in the tragic flooding,” while also requesting privacy to grieve.
On Facebook, Alive11 reporter Kaitlyn Ross shared a heartfelt message from Eloise’s mother. “Eloise was literally friends with everyone,” she wrote. “She loved spaghetti, but not more than she loved dogs and animals.” She added:
“She had a family who loved her fiercely for the 8 years we were blessed to have her. Especially her Mommy.”
Ross also confirmed the tragic news of Eloise’s passing, writing, “She passed away alongside her best friend and cabinmate, Lila Bonner, who also lost her life.” Ross continued:
“This photo shows Eloise and Lila together: happy, thriving, and surrounded by summer camp joy. Rest in peace, sweet girls. You will never be forgotten 💔💔”
On the day the floods occurred, July 4, OKCM Search and Rescue shared a Facebook post highlighting the children missing from Camp Mystic.
“Sharing for our friends & neighbors to the south. Our hearts go out to all the families and first responders on the ground in the midst of such a tragedy,” the post read, accompanied by photos of the 18 missing girls.
By Sunday, July 6, OKCM Search and Rescue provided an update: “11 Campers & 1 counselor still unaccounted for from Camp Mystic. Please keep praying. Search operations continue.”
The tragedy has deeply impacted communities across Texas. As news of the missing girls from Camp Mystic spread, many took to social media to share their support and raise awareness.
Michelle Meals, a marketing and social media professional, wrote on Saturday, July 5, “One of my sweet clients — her daughter is best friends with Eloise Peck. Still missing in the Texas floods.”
She continued, “Very close to home. Praying Eloise is found so she and Hunter can have more play dates. Praying each little girl is found. 💔” Less than 24 hours later, Eloise’s death was confirmed by her family.
According to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, more than 750 children were attending Camp Mystic when the floods hit. In a Sunday press briefing, he reported that at least 10 campers and one counselor remained missing.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and the numbers continue to be updated as crews clear debris and assess the extent of the damage.
Source: ondoho.com