A young Texas woman’s desperate plea for help became her final message as raging floodwaters swept away the home where she and three friends were staying over the July 4th weekend. Joyce Badon, just 21 years old, texted her family as the Guadalupe River surged through Central Texas, rising to terrifying heights in less than an hour.
The catastrophic flooding claimed at least 107 lives across six counties, including staff and children from a nearby Christian camp. Many others remain missing, with search teams combing through debris along the riverbanks. Joyce and her friends—Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca, and Aiden Heartfield—were staying at a riverside farmhouse when the waters rushed in.
Joyce’s father, Ty Badon, shared the heartbreaking details of their last communication. The group had been on the phone with Aiden’s father when the flood hit. “The house is no longer there,” Aiden had said before the call cut out. His final words were, “I have to go, I have to help Ella and Reese.” Moments later, the line went dead.
Joyce’s mother, Kellye, turned to Facebook, pleading for prayers as search teams scoured the area. Volunteers found heartbreaking scenes—bodies tangled in debris, some lodged high in trees. Joyce’s remains were discovered on July 7, followed by Reese’s. Ella and Aiden are still missing.
In her last text, Joyce wrote, “We’re being washed away.” Her family now clings to memories of their “beautiful daughter,” finding solace in small signs—like the rainbow that appeared over their home after her passing.
