Miami Childhood Education Champion David Lawrence Jr. Mourns Granddaughters Lost in Central Texas Floods

The recent tragic flooding in Central Texas has claimed the lives of two young children deeply connected to Miami's champion for childhood education, David Lawrence Jr. The eight-year-old twin granddaughters of Lawrence, Hanna and Rebecca, were among the casualties in a catastrophic flood at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. Lawrence Jr., a fervent advocate for early childhood development through his work with The Children's Movement of Florida, is mourning the loss of his family members.

As per reports from WSVN, the twins were attending the camp along with their 14-year-old sister Harper when the Guadalupe River’s waters rose violently. In what has now become a grave loss, only Harper was found safe while the younger girls tragically perished in the floods. Kerr County officials have confirmed the death toll at 68, with 28 children, including the twin girls, having lost their life.

Their grandfather, who once served as the publisher of the Miami Herald, expressed his grief and remembered the joy his granddaughters brought to the family, as detailed in a report from CBS Miami. "It has been an unimaginable time for all of us. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten," Lawrence said.

Amidst the tragedy, the response to the disaster has been swift and cross-state. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would aid Texas, deploying three swiftwater rescue teams with more support on standby. The act of solidarity comes as communities across states grapple with the consequences of the floods. Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava echoed these sentiments on her social platform, standing by to offer support as needed to the victims and families affected by this devastating event.

The collective shock is palpable and further heightened as the search for the remaining missing victims continues. Shared by the Miami Herald, the commitment from authorities and volunteers in Texas persists, fortified by support teams from Florida, in hopes of bringing solace to families still awaiting news of their loved ones.