The families of Joyce Badon and Reese Manchaca confirmed their deaths Monday afternoon on social media.
HUNT, Texas — The mother of Joyce Badon, a young woman who went missing during the devastating flooding in Kerr County, confirmed her death Monday afternoon on social media.
“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!” Kellye Badon wrote on Facebook.
Joyce was with a group of friends who graduated from Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. Reese Manchaca, Ella Cahill, and Aidan Heartfield were among those in the group reported missing.
Reese Manchaca’s family later reported her death Monday afternoon on social media.
“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.
Ella Cahill and Aidan Heartfield, are still unaccounted for as the searches continue. Family told 12News they were last known to be near 1739 State highway 39 in Hunt.
“My little sister, her boyfriend, and their two friends are missing due to flood,” Mackenzie Hodulik said on a Facebook post. “Last we heard from them was at 4 a.m. They were trying to escape home to get to higher ground.”
8-year-old Mary Grace Baker, who attends St. Anne Catholic School, is also still missing. She was staying at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick says the camp had around 750 kids, 23 are unaccounted for.
Operators of Camp Mystic said Monday that they lost 27 campers and counselors. The total death toll from the flooding has now risen to over 90 people according to Kerr County officials.
Parents of the missing students are traveling to the area to coordinate with search and rescue teams, according to family members.
Beaumont Fire Rescue have one firefighter who deployed with Texas Task Force One to help with search and rescue of the area, according to District Fire Chief Scott Wheat.
Beaumont mayor Roy West says it’s important for the community to come together.
“There are families from Beaumont who have children and loved ones there. and we need to be lifting them up and as a community we need to come together for one another and also come together for all those that are going through this,” said West.
The Diocese of Beaumont is working with families to confirm information about the missing students and coordinate response efforts.
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica will offer a Mass on Saturday, July 5, at 10 a.m. for all those affected by the Hill Country flooding, especially those who are from the area.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. announced fatalities Friday, with Kerr County Judge Rob Kelley confirming the deaths as floodwaters devastated the region.
The United Cajun Navy also joined the Kerr County flood rescue effort
Vice President Brian Trascher says the water conditions have made it very dangerous for first responders, so they’re relying mostly on helicopters to find people.
He shared a message to families of campers as the searches continue.
“These families have trusted these camps with their children, for summer vacation for generations and so it means they probably have good reputations. It means they have a history of hiring really good camp and management type people. So we just have to trust that they are doing their job and they’re good at what they’re doing,” he said.
Trascher says they have four airboats in the water with at least 12 to 15 people on each vessel.
Full statement from Diocese of Beaumont below:
Kelly Catholic High School Community Offers Prayers and Support to Those Affected by Hill Country Flooding
The Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School family is deeply saddened by the devastating flooding in the Hill Country. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with all individuals and families affected by this tragic event.
We are especially concerned for the safety and well-being of everyone in the region, particularly our alumni, current students, and their families who may be impacted.
“We ask the greater Kelly community to continue lifting up all those affected in prayer,” said Gina Harris, President of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School.
Read the full statement from St. Anne’s below:
Dear St. Anne Family,
We ask you to join us in fervent prayer for Mary Grace Baker, her family, and all those impacted by the devastating flooding at Camp Mystic and the surrounding communities. In times of uncertainty, we cling to the power of prayer- and now more than ever, we need it.
Please take a moment, right now, to pause and pray that Mary Grace is safe and will be reunited with her parents very soon.
“This is the confidence we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
— 1 John 5:14
May God’s mercy and protection be with them all.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.