Virginia Larins Hollis: 8-Year-Old Texas Girl Lost in Guadalupe River Flooding, Honored for Her Bright Spirit and Loving Heart
With broken hearts and unfathomable grief, we share the tragic news of the passing of Virginia Larins Hollis, the beloved 8-year-old daughter of Lars Hollis, a cherished member of our HP family. Virginia was among those swept away in the devastating July 4th floods of the Guadalupe River in Central Texas. After days of desperate searching, she was found and confirmed to be among the victims of this heartbreaking natural disaster.
Virginia’s life, though far too short, was filled with an abundance of joy, curiosity, and the kind of warmth that touched every person lucky enough to know her. Born on March 23, 2017, Virginia was a bright light, known for her infectious smile and vibrant spirit. She had a heart big enough to fill a room and a kindness well beyond her years.
She loved the little things in life that made her heart sing—fishing with her dad, gardening with her mom, playing piano, and hitting the golf course with the ease and joy of someone twice her age. Her favorite color was pink, and she wore it proudly, a symbol of her joyful, playful personality. She was a loyal friend to many and a gentle soul who always looked out for others. She cheered passionately for the Houston Astros, and her excitement on game days was simply contagious.
Virginia’s adventurous nature reflected the very best of a true Texas girl—brave, bold, and full of life. Whether she was catching bugs in the backyard, learning something new in school, or helping a friend feel included, she approached every moment with wonder and a fierce, gentle spirit. Her laugh echoed with sincerity, and her hugs were the kind that could make the hardest day feel soft again.
The loss of Virginia has shattered her family, her friends, and everyone at HP who has come to know and love the Hollis family. No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child, and there are no words deep enough to express the sorrow that now surrounds us.
To honor Virginia’s incredible life and memory, a fund has been created to support the Hollis family with funeral expenses, the creation of a memorial, and to help carry forward Virginia’s love for adventure and life. It is our hope that through this fund, her spirit can continue to bring joy and light to others, even in her absence.
In a time like this, we are reminded of how fragile life is—and how deeply we must love while we can. Virginia taught us, in her eight short years, what it means to be joyful, to be caring, and to be truly present.
To Lars, the Hollis family, and all those who loved Virginia: our hearts are with you. Your grief is our grief. Your loss is felt across every corner of our community.
“Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”
Virginia Larins Hollis left those footprints—on her family, on her friends, and on everyone lucky enough to witness her light. May we continue to honor her by loving others with the same purity and courage she showed every day.
Rest in peace, sweet Virginia.