{"id":66706,"date":"2025-07-15T05:15:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T05:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/66706\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T05:15:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T05:15:13","slug":"fort-worthians-honor-hill-country-flood-victims-at-candlelight-vigil-outside-city-hall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/66706\/","title":{"rendered":"Fort Worthians honor Hill Country flood victims at candlelight vigil outside City Hall"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lesley Clayton clutched her daughter\u2019s hand.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a reminder to appreciate your kids, family and friends and hold them tight,\u201d Clayton said. \u201cIt can all change so fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Mayor Mattie Parker speaks during a community vigil for Hill Country flood victims at Fort Worth City Hall on July 14, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

\u201cWe understand what happened in the Hill Country was tragic, unfortunately historic, and it\u2019s going to take a long time for them to recover,\u201d Parker said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s heartbreaking knowing that the Camp Mystic girls were away from their families,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Attendees pinned green ribbons onto their clothing, a statement adopted days after the floods as a symbol of hope, compassion and unity.<\/p>\n

\"\"A green ribbon is pinned onto a shirt as people gather to attend the community vigil for Hill Country flood victims at Fort Worth City Hall on July 14, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

Resident Heidi Quaife said her brother and nephew were affected by the floods but, fortunately, didn\u2019t have to evacuate. Her family\u2019s experience gave her a reason to attend the vigil and donate, since she can\u2019t visit them.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother didn\u2019t have to evacuate, but some of his neighbors had cars stuck in trees,\u201d Quaife said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mind goes there every time, but the world is grieving for their loss, and Texas is here to support,\u201d Clayton said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. The girls were at Camp Mystic when the floods happened and were evacuated.<\/p>\n

\u201dI 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,\u201d Parker said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As candles burned and the band\u2019s final note faded, some remained silent, praying and sharing hugs with one another.<\/p>\n

\"\"Fort Worth police officers hold candles during the community vigil for Hill Country flood victims at Fort Worth City Hall on July 14, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at orlando.torres@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n

Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n

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