She was only nine — joyful, full of life, and deeply loved — when the floodwaters swept her away. In an instant, one family’s world was shattered, leaving behind heartbreak, unanswered questions, and quiet prayers.
Tavia Hunt, the wife of the Chiefs’ Owner, Clark Hunt, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 9-year-old Janie Hunt. Janie was a cherished young relative killed in the catastrophic flash floods that swept through Texas over the weekend.
Janie had been attending Camp Mystic in Wimberley when she was tragically swept away by the rising waters. She was one of several children lost in the disaster that had shaken the Hill Country region. Janie’s death was confirmed by her mother and reported by CNN.
In a solemn statement on her Instagram, Tavia wrote, “Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives – including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s [sic] little girls.”
“How do we trust a God who is supposed to be good, all knowing and all powerful, but who allows such terrible things to happen – even to children? That is a sacred and tender question — and one the Bible doesn’t shy away from. Scripture is filled with the cries of those whose hearts have been shattered, who still wrestle to trust the same God they believe allowed the pain [sic],” she continued.
Despite their loss, another family member, Libby Hunt, offered a prayer of gratitude and comfort, thanking God for Janie’s life and the love she brought into their world. She also recalled the loving care she received from Janie’s parents, Anne Lindsey and Davin Hunt.
The deadly floods followed days of relentless rain, causing rivers and creeks in central Texas to rise at an alarming rate. According to CNN, several other children and campers were also swept away, leaving behind stunned families and a grieving community. Survivors described chaotic scenes of sudden separation and near escape as the waters surged without warning.
Meanwhile, just days before the tragedy, a video shared on Instagram captured Janie dancing and laughing with fellow campers during a summer performance. What was once a joyful celebration has now become a sorrowful tribute. Viewers flooded the post with prayers, each hoping for the safe return of every girl in the video — a haunting reminder of all that was lost.
Among the confirmed victims is also 8-year-old Eloise Peck. Her mother, in a heartfelt tribute, said she wanted the world to know how deeply her daughter was loved. She described Eloise as someone who was friends with everyone, loved spaghetti, adored animals, and was surrounded by a family that cherished her completely.
At the same time, stories of survival have also begun to emerge. Some campers were rescued in the aftermath, including Lainey Landry, whose family confirmed her recovery after she had been unaccounted for. Her status was shared in a post on Facebook by Trevor Lee, bringing a small but powerful glimmer of relief.
As Wimberley begins the slow process of recovery and the search for the missing continues, families are holding onto faith, each other, and the memories of those they lost. In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, the Hunt family’s sorrow mirrors the pain felt by so many others, bound together in grief, love, and hope for healing.
