What began as a joyful summer escape ended in unimaginable heartbreak for the Lawrence family, as 8-year-old twins Hanna and Rebecca tragically lost their lives in the devastating flash floods that swept through Camp Mystic in Central Texas. The vibrant pair, known for their inseparable bond and infectious smiles, were attending the Christian girls’ camp with their 14-year-old sister, Harper—who miraculously survived the floodwaters. Their loss is among the 79 confirmed deaths resulting from the catastrophic flooding over the July 4th weekend.
Hanna and Rebecca were granddaughters of David Lawrence Jr., a respected education advocate and former publisher of the Miami Herald. In a heartfelt tribute, he described the girls as a source of deep joy for the entire family and promised their memories would live on in the hearts of all who loved them. Their parents, John and Lacy Lawrence, expressed their overwhelming grief. John noted that the twins had brought a unique brightness to their older sister Harper’s life.
Camp Mystic, located along the Guadalupe River, was among the hardest-hit areas. The river rose with terrifying speed, overwhelming the camp and claiming the lives of several individuals, including longtime camp director Richard Eastland. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, with several children and staff members still missing. President Trump has declared the region a federal disaster zone, prompting emergency response support from multiple states.
Amidst the grief, the Lawrence family and their community are leaning on memories of the girls—from their shared birthday on St. Patrick’s Day to treasured times spent with their grandparents in Florida. Hanna and Rebecca’s legacy now lives on through the lives they touched and the actions being taken to honor their memory. As Texans mourn across the state, the tragedy is a stark reminder of the devastating human impact of increasingly severe natural disasters—and the urgent need for improved preparedness and response efforts.
