AUSTIN, Texas – Houston parents are mourning their children lost in a deadly Camp Mystic flood, and demanding lawmakers act before another tragedy strikes.
On a night meant for celebration, a sudden flash flood turned Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, into the ground zero for a historic flooding disaster.
A total of 27 campers and counselors were washed away in the raging flood waters of the Guadalupe River in the early morning hours of July 4.
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Those victims include daughters from Houston families whose heartbreak now fuels a fierce fight for change.
This tragedy exposed deadly gaps in camp safety that lawmakers must urgently address through Senate Bill 1, a bipartisan effort to protect Texas children from preventable disasters.
The voices of Houston’s grieving parents bring a powerful, personal call for accountability and reform that cannot be ignored.
On Wednesday, Houston families who lost daughters in the flood are among those who have stepped forward with powerful testimony, sharing their grief and demanding immediate action to protect other children.
Their stories bring a deeply personal perspective to the legislative debate.
Lucy Dillon: A gifted leader lost too soon
Brant Dillon, father of 8-year-old Lucy Dillon, described the devastating impact of losing his daughter.
Lucy was a straight-A student who excelled in gifted and talented programs and was an exceptional athlete.
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“She was kind, she was a leader. She was gritty. And she always gave 100% effort,” Brant said.
Lucy was also a devoted sister and a best friend to her family.
“She was my best friend. Our greatest contribution to society. And today I sit before you, a broken man,” he shared.
Brant emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy.
“Our world has been shattered by a tragedy that was 100% preventable,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to enforce safety reforms so no other parent faces the pain he endures.
“We must make sure that when parents entrust their children to camps, that they can have the confidence that facilities are safe, operators are prepared, and emergency plans are sufficient and executable.”
Molly Claire DeWitt: A bright light and compassionate soul
Ryan DeWitt spoke for his 9-year-old daughter Molly Claire, who was known for her curiosity, compassion, and faith.
“She squeezed more into nine years than many do into 90,” Ryan said.
Molly’s generosity extended beyond her circle of friends to include homeless people, refugees, and children with disabilities.
Ryan recalled her heartfelt words: “It hurts my heart to see people hurt.”
Ryan also honored Molly’s older sister Annie, who survived the flood and showed remarkable strength.
“Annie taught her things Elizabeth and I could not. Molly was her biggest fan and always will be,” he said.
Ryan called on lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1 without delay.
“We are here before you today as grieving parents... but also as pillars of strength for our daughters’ legacies to ensure that what happened on July 4th never, ever happens again.”
Lainey Landry: The sweet daughter who made her family whole
Ben Landry, father of Lainey Landry, described his daughter as the “sweet, loving daughter that Natalie and myself wanted so badly.”
Lainey was the youngest sibling and brought joy and softness to her family.
“She made our family whole, but more importantly, she softened out the edges of myself and my boys,” Ben said.
Ben’s testimony was a call for accountability.
“All of these girls were put in a position to fail. They were told their directions were to fail. And that’s what happened that night,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to impose safety standards on camps similar to those in schools and daycares.
“No emergency plans and no evacuation training is not acceptable. There is not an industry I know that would allow this.”
Chloe Madeleine Childress: Counselor and hero who followed the rules
Matthew Childress, father of 18-year-old counselor Chloe Madeleine Childress, shared a heartfelt tribute to his daughter.
Chloe was a rule follower who died trying to save campers during the flood.
“Chloe was killed following the manners that I taught her. I lost my firstborn. My machine, my running buddy, and my hero,” Matthew said.
Chloe was a graduate of Houston’s Kincaid School and was set to study pre-med at the University of Texas.
Matthew described her as “fun, spontaneous, a troublemaker, but also smart, studious and driven.”
He emphasized that Chloe and fellow counselor Catherine Ferruzzo died as heroes, following instructions that tragically led to their deaths.
“Fourteen girls scrambling for their lives, because they did what they were told,” Matthew said.
Matthew called for urgent passage of Senate Bill 1 to prevent future tragedies.
“No child should sleep in a floodplain. Camps need effective early warning systems, detailed evacuation plans, and proper training. These are basic protections every parent should expect.”
A united call for change and accountability
Houston families’ testimonies revealed both grief and determination, as they called on lawmakers to pass and enforce Senate Bill 1.
The measure would require camps to have safe locations, early warning systems, detailed evacuation plans, sufficient staffing and comprehensive training.
“This was 100% preventable,” said Ryan DeWitt. “We are here as grieving parents, but also as pillars of strength for our daughters’ legacies to ensure this never happens again.”
Brant Dillon added, “If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people… I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.”
The families’ message was clear: the time to act is now. The memories of the 27 young victims demand nothing less.