A 21-year-old woman from Texas, Joyce Badon, sadly lost her life when floodwaters inundated the house where she was staying during the July 4th weekend. Joyce, along with three friends—Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca, and Aiden Heartfield—was celebrating the holiday at a country home situated along the Guadalupe River when “torrential rains” led to a rapid rise in the river, resulting in flooding in parts of Kerr County.
Among the 107 confirmed fatalities across six counties, more than two dozen were campers and counselors, with many others still unaccounted for. Joyce’s father, Ty Badon, mentioned that the group was last in contact during a call with Aiden’s father. Aiden had stated, “I have to help Ella and Reese,” just before the call was disconnected. Shortly thereafter, the house was entirely swept away.
Joyce’s mother, Kellye, expressed a heart-wrenching plea on Facebook, disclosing that their vehicles had been carried away by the flood and that the group was unable to reach the attic in time. She called for prayers and held onto the hope of reuniting with her daughter soon. Unfortunately, that hope diminished.
Volunteers, including Joyce’s parents and friends, conducted relentless searches along the river. One victim was discovered lodged high in a tree. During the search, Joyce’s father came across the body of a young boy.
On July 7, Joyce’s body was recovered. Her mother honored her “beautiful” daughter by later sharing a photo of a rainbow over their home, stating, “All is well with my soul.”
Reese’s body has also been located, but Aiden and Ella are still missing. Joyce’s last message read: “We’re being washed away.”
