Best Friends Lost Together: Texas Flood Claims Lives of Two Young Campers
Two families in North Texas are grieving the heartbreaking loss of their daughters, 9-year-old Lila Bonner and 8-year-old Eloise Peck,
who died together during the catastrophic flooding that struck Central Texas on July 4, 2025.
The two best friends and cabinmates were attending Camp Mystic in Kerr County when flash floods overwhelmed the area,
sweeping through the children’s cabins and leaving devastation in their wake.
Rescue efforts continued for days, and on July 6, the tragic news was confirmed: both girls had not survived.
Bonner’s family shared the news first, followed by a heartfelt sign posted outside the Peck family home confirming Eloise’s passing.
Peck’s mother shared that Eloise was “friends with everyone” and had a deep love for animals, spaghetti, and the family that cherished her.
Reporter Kaitlyn Ross wrote, “She passed away alongside her best friend and cabinmate,” capturing the profound bond they shared.
Their deaths were part of a larger tragedy at Camp Mystic, where several children were initially reported missing.
OKCM Search and Rescue shared updates throughout the weekend,
and as of July 6, at least 11 campers and one counselor were still unaccounted for.
The broader Texas Hill Country area also experienced severe damage,
with more than 50 lives lost due to the floods and emergency crews still combing through the debris.
The story of Lila and Eloise has deeply touched local communities and beyond,
with friends, families, and strangers mourning their loss.
Online, people shared photos of the girls smiling together at camp—images of joy that now serve as memorials.
Though gone too soon, their friendship and spirit have left an indelible mark on everyone who knew them.
As one tribute simply said: “You will never be forgotten.”
