They were inseparable from the start — twin sisters known for their matching smiles and shared laughter, which brought joy to everyone around them. However, what was meant to be a summer of campfire stories and friendship turned into a devastating loss no one saw coming, leaving their family and community clinging to memories once shared.
Eight-year-old twin girls, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence were among the dozens killed during the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas over the weekend. The girls attended Camp Mystic along with their 14-year-old sister, Harper.
Miami Herald reports that the twins and Harper are granddaughters of Miami childhood education advocate David Lawrence Jr. While the twins died in the flash floods that swept through early Friday morning, July 4, 2025, Harper survived.
The twins’ grandfather, who is also a former publisher of the Miami Herald and founder of The Children’s Movement of Florida, confirmed the tragic loss in a statement to the publication, “It has been an unimaginable time for all of us. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten.”
According to Amelia Mugavero of CBS 11, the girls’ father, John Lawrence, reportedly expressed that Hanna and Rebecca had brought immense joy to their family, especially to their older sister Harper, as well as to many others. He said the family would find ways to preserve that joy and continue sharing it in the twins’ memory.
The Children’s Movement of Florida also addressed the tragedy. In a public message, the organization expressed heartbreak over the widespread loss and specifically mentioned the deaths of Hanna and Rebecca. They urged the public to join them in prayer for all affected families and said they were deeply grieving the loss of so many precious children.
The twins had been celebrated from the moment they were born. Their parents had expressed joy over their arrival, saying the girls were eager to join the world, arriving just in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Their family had shared that all were doing well at the time and that they were thrilled to welcome the girls.
Over the years, the girls shared many joyful moments with their family, including spending time with their grandparents in Florida. One memory described by the family was a fun time with their grandparents in Miami, reflecting the warmth and closeness of their relationship.
In another family reflection, David had once expressed that the best days of their year were the ones spent all together, particularly a special time in Manchester when all their grandchildren were reunited under one roof.
David, a key figure in early childhood education reform in Florida, left his career in journalism to focus on initiatives like The Children’s Trust and universal pre-K access. His work has left a lasting legacy in Florida and beyond.
Meanwhile, Texas officials report that the death toll from the disaster reached 79 persons as of Sunday, July 6, 2025. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha revealed in a statement that Kerr County was the most severely impacted, with 68 confirmed fatalities — 40 adults and 28 children.
Among the dead was Camp Mystic director Richard Eastland, while 11 campers and a counselor from the camp remained unaccounted for. However, by Monday, July 7, 2025, updated figures from the county website noted that 75 deceased individuals had been confirmed, including 48 adults and 27 children.
While 15 adults and nine children are still pending identification, ten campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp, located along the banks of the Guadalupe River, was one of several camps devastated when the river swelled with rainwater, flooding the area.
President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County on Sunday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also announced the deployment of three swift water rescue teams to assist in recovery efforts. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also said the county stands ready to provide additional support if requested.
Meanwhile, questions have resurfaced around President Trump’s cuts to climate change research, with Al Jazeera reporting increased scrutiny in the wake of the deadly floods.
The flooding impacted several counties across Texas, including Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson. Recovery efforts remain ongoing as families, including the Lawrences, grapple with unimaginable loss.
