Tragedy Strikes the Hunt Family: 9-Year-Old Janie Hunt Among Victims of Central Texas Flooding
CENTRAL TEXAS — A wave of heartbreak has swept through the Kansas City Chiefs organization and far beyond, as Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and his wife Tavia Hunt’s extended family faces an unimaginable tragedy. Over the weekend, devastating flash floods tore through parts of Central Texas, claiming multiple lives — among them, 9-year-old Janie Hunt, a beloved young cousin of the Hunt family.
The tragedy unfolded at Camp Mystic, a well-known summer camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. According to local authorities, heavy rainfall caused a sudden and dangerous surge in the river’s flow late Saturday night, resulting in severe flooding in the surrounding areas. Campers and staff were caught off guard as water levels rose with alarming speed.
Among those impacted was Janie Hunt, a bright, spirited child who was attending Camp Mystic as part of her summer break — a tradition cherished by many families in Texas. Despite the efforts of camp staff and emergency responders, Janie was one of the victims who did not survive.
Her mother, in a deeply emotional statement released Monday, confirmed the heartbreaking news. “Our sweet Janie is now with Jesus,” she wrote. “She was full of light, laughter, and love. We are shattered, but we trust God’s goodness even in the middle of this storm.”
Janie’s passing has stunned not only her family and friends but also the larger Kansas City Chiefs community and residents across Texas. Messages of condolence have poured in from Chiefs fans, NFL executives, and public figures, expressing grief and support for the Hunt family during this profoundly painful time.
Clark and Tavia Hunt, who are known for their philanthropy, deep faith, and strong family values, have asked for privacy as they grieve this loss. Though no public statement has yet been made by the Hunts, close friends of the family have spoken out on their behalf, describing the young girl as “a joyful soul who brought sunshine wherever she went.”
Janie Hunt was known to her loved ones as a vivacious, kind-hearted child with a passion for horseback riding, singing, and making new friends. She was the type of camper who helped others feel at home and brought a sense of joy to every cabin she entered. Her absence will be deeply felt by the Camp Mystic community, which has been left reeling in the wake of the flooding.
In response to the tragedy, Camp Mystic has issued a statement expressing their sorrow and pledging full cooperation with local authorities. “We are heartbroken beyond words,” the camp’s directors wrote. “Our priority has always been the safety and well-being of our campers, and we are working closely with families and officials to support everyone affected by this disaster.”
As Texas continues to battle the aftermath of the deadly floods — with search and rescue teams still deployed in some affected areas — this loss underscores the unpredictable and often unforgiving power of nature. Weather officials confirmed that more than eight inches of rain fell in some parts of the Hill Country within just a few hours, overwhelming riverbanks and drainage systems.
Governor Greg Abbott released a statement offering condolences to all victims’ families, including the Hunts. “We are praying for every family grieving the loss of a loved one. The entire state mourns with you.”
In the days ahead, memorial plans for Janie Hunt are expected to be announced by her family. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones are rallying around them, offering prayers, meals, and support in any form possible.
What remains is a quiet ache across communities in Texas and Kansas City alike — a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how even the youngest, brightest lights can be taken too soon. Janie Hunt’s memory will live on in the hearts of many, a legacy of joy, faith, and love in the face of an unspeakable tragedy.