Fort Worthians honor Hill Country flood victims at candlelight vigil outside City Hall

Lesley Clayton clutched her daughter’s hand. 

Her daughter is the same age as the girls who were at Camp Mystic in the Hill Country when historic floods swept through the area.

“It’s just a reminder to appreciate your kids, family and friends and hold them tight,” Clayton said. “It can all change so fast.”

Clayton and her daughter were part of the dozens gathered in silence outside Fort Worth City Hall the evening of July 14. The glow of candles flickered beneath trees wrapped in green ribbons as a symbol of remembrance for the lives lost during the Fourth of July floods in Central Texas. 

The vigil included remarks from Mayor Mattie Parker and local clergy, and live music. Organizers said the gathering was meant not only to mourn but to call attention to the need for continued support for the hardest hit towns.

The flood left at least 132 dead, with more missing, and devastated small towns across Central Texas. Many victims were swept away while camping or traveling. People can make online donations to Kerr County Relief Fund.

“We understand what happened in the Hill Country was tragic, unfortunately historic, and it’s going to take a long time for them to recover,” Parker said.

The grief felt personal for Clayton, but she said it was great seeing other supporters at the vigil who shared the same compassion and empathy for those affected by the floods.

“It’s heartbreaking knowing that the Camp Mystic girls were away from their families,” she said.

Attendees pinned green ribbons onto their clothing, a statement adopted days after the floods as a symbol of hope, compassion and unity.

Resident Heidi Quaife said her brother and nephew were affected by the floods but, fortunately, didn’t have to evacuate. Her family’s experience gave her a reason to attend the vigil and donate, since she can’t visit them.

“My brother didn’t have to evacuate, but some of his neighbors had cars stuck in trees,” Quaife said.

Clayton said she was haunted by a story of a child whose shoe, decorated with Croc charms, was found miles away from the flooded camp.

“My mind goes there every time, but the world is grieving for their loss, and Texas is here to support,” Clayton said. 

Parker noted that Fort Worth families have already stepped up to support victims. She pointed to young girls who raised $64,000 through a lemonade stand. The girls were at Camp Mystic when the floods happened and were evacuated.

”I think all of us want to have a sense of purpose and to give back, so tonight was an opportunity for people to come together, grieve and really help,” Parker said. 

As candles burned and the band’s final note faded, some remained silent, praying and sharing hugs with one another.

Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at orlando.torres@fortworthreport.org.

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