What began as a joyful summer adventure turned into unimaginable heartbreak for the Lawrence family when 8-year-old twins Hanna and Rebecca lost their lives in catastrophic flash floods at Camp Mystic in Central Texas. Known for their bright smiles and close bond, the girls were attending camp with their 14-year-old sister, Harper, who survived the tragedy. Their deaths were among the 79 lives claimed by the devastating floods over the July 4th weekend.
The twins were granddaughters of David Lawrence Jr., a well-known education advocate in Miami and former publisher of the Miami Herald. In a public message, he described the twins as a great source of happiness for the family and assured that their memory would forever remain in the hearts of loved ones. Their parents, John and Lacy Lawrence, expressed deep sorrow, with John noting that the girls brought special light to their sister Harper’s life.
Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp located by the Guadalupe River, was hit hard when the river rapidly overflowed, flooding the camp and causing the deaths of several campers and staff, including camp director Richard Eastland. Authorities continue searching for several children and counselors still missing, while President Trump declared a Major Disaster for the region and neighboring states have sent emergency aid.
Amid grief, the Lawrence family and their community cling to treasured memories of Hanna and Rebecca—from their joyful birth on St. Patrick’s Day to special times spent with grandparents in Florida. Their legacy lives on through the impact they had and efforts to honor their memory. As families across Texas mourn, this tragedy highlights the devastating human cost of severe natural disasters and the urgent need for better preparedness and support.
