Mary Grace Baker was among 27 Camp Mystic campers who went missing during the July 4 flooding.
BEAUMONT, Texas — The family of 8-year-old Mary Grace Baker confirmed Monday night that their daughter’s body has been found following devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country that has killed at least 43 people, including 15 children.
Baker, a student at St. Anne Catholic School in Beaumont, was staying at Camp Mystic in Hunt when catastrophic floodwaters tore through Kerr County without warning. The camp had more than 750 campers attending when the flooding occurred.
The confirmation of Baker’s death came as the death toll from the flooding continued to rise. At least 43 people were killed as of Saturday afternoon, with dozens still missing after the flooding event struck the area.
Baker was among 27 Camp Mystic campers who remained missing as of Saturday afternoon, according to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The camp initially had around 750 children attending when the flooding began.
“Mary Grace is a current student at St. Anne Catholic School where I’m principle,” said Alison Kiker, principal of St. Anne Catholic School, during a special Mass held Saturday morning at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica in Beaumont to pray for flood victims.
According to the St. Anne Catholic School Facebook page, Baker was “a bright light in our close-knit school family, known for her kindness and friendship to all, her joyful spirit and her love for her faith and family.” The school described her as having a “contagious” giggle and spirit.
Baker loved art, dance and playing at West End Little League, according to the school. She “was a girls’ girl who loved pink, sparkles and bows in her signature angelic ringlet curls.” She had recently celebrated her First Holy Communion and ended her second-grade year receiving the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.
The flooding also claimed the lives of several young adults with ties to Beaumont. Joyce Badon, 21, and Reese Manchaca, both graduates of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, were confirmed dead Monday.
“God showed us the way we should go this morning! We found our lovely daughter who blessed us for 21 years! We pray to be able to find her three friends soon. Thanks to EVERYONE for the prayers and support. God is good!” wrote Kellye Badon on Facebook after confirming her daughter Joyce’s death.
Reese Manchaca’s family also confirmed her death Monday afternoon. “Reese is now with God. Thank you all who have sent prayers up for our family. please continue to pray for other families who are waiting for the location and identification of their families during this tragic time,” said Kami Evermore.
Two other Kelly High School graduates, Ella Cahill and her boyfriend Aidan Heartfield, remain unaccounted for. The group was last heard from at 4 a.m. as they attempted to reach higher ground during the flooding.
“My little sister, her boyfriend, and their two friends are missing due to flood,” Mackenzie Hodulik said on Facebook. “Last we heard from them was at 4 a.m. They were trying to escape home to get to higher ground.”
The family was last known to be near 1739 State Highway 39 in Hunt. The Cahill family has requested privacy to focus their energy on locating their daughter and supporting broader search efforts.
Officials have described the flooding as “catastrophic,” with floodwaters striking the Hill Country region without warning. Search and rescue operations continue as authorities work to account for all missing persons.
Kiker expressed hope that the community would continue to support affected families. “We’re actively praying, we’re actively putting their names out there on everybody’s lips so people can pray for them by name,” she said.
The flooding represents one of the deadliest weather events in recent Texas history, with the death toll expected to rise as search efforts continue throughout the affected region.
A community-wide prayer service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson Theatre in downtown Beaumont.
“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of so many lives, including young children, and hold on to hope for those still missing from our own community,” Beaumont Mayor Roy West said. “This is a time to come together in faith, comfort, and solidarity.”
Several Southeast Texas pastors will join the mayor in leading prayers for victims, survivors, the missing, and the families impacted by the floods. The event aims to offer a space for collective mourning, remembrance, and healing.