Body of 8-year-old Bellville cowgirl who loved rodeo being escorted home from Kerrville today

Virginia “Ginny” Hollis was at Camp Mystic when the July 4 flood killed more than two dozen campers, counselors and the co-owner.

BELLVILLE, Texas — Another Camp Mystic camper from the Greater Houston area will be escorted home to Bellville today by law enforcement agencies from that area. 

The body of 8-year-old Virginia “Ginny” Hollis was found along the Guadalupe River earlier this week, more than a week after the catastrophic July 4 floods. She and at least 27 other campers and counselors from Camp Mystic were swept away. Several of the victims were from the Houston area. 

The Bellville Police Department shared the procession route from San Antonio to the Schmidt Funeral Home on Highway 36 in Bellville. They are expected to arrive there at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday. 

Some small towns along the route were asking people to wear green and line the streets as the procession passes by. 

Video posted by Sealy News shows several law enforcement vehicles with green ribbons on the front because it was the official color of Camp Mystic.

RELATED: These are the names and faces of Houston-area residents who lost their lives in the Hill Country flood

‘Pure, joyful soul’

Social media posts about Virginia describe her as a cowgirl who loved rodeo and her horse, Salt Valley. 

“She was proud to cover him when he bucked and bragged she was a saddle bronc rider like her Grandpa,” her dad shared.

****VIRGINIA HOLLIS WAS RECOVERED**** and is going home today – her family is in our prayers. Here is the link…

Posted by I Love Texas on Wednesday, July 16, 2025

A GoFundMe.com account set up by family friends on behalf of the family said Virginia was a first-time camper and a pure, joyful soul who lit up every room.

“She loved fishing as much as she loved gardening, playing piano as much as painting, and the color pink as much as she loved the Astros. She was brave, curious, and full of life.”

The little girl also loved golf, exploring nature and babysitting her little sister, Sienna. 

“Virginia was gentle, kind, and had an infectious smile. Named after her mother and grandmother, she grew up in a line of strong Texas women, and that strength showed up front and center in our sweet Virginia.”

💔 JUST IN: 8 year old Camp Mystic camper Virginia Hollis, who tragically lost her life in the devastating Texas floods,…

Posted by Ebonie Marie Baxter on Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Austin County authorities begin the procession to San Antonio to bring Virginia “Ginny” Hollis back home to Bellville.

Posted by The Sealy News on Wednesday, July 16, 2025

This is the route of honor for Virginia Hollis as she is brought back home. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and the entire community during this difficult time.

Posted by Austin County Sheriff on Tuesday, July 15, 2025

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