Chiefs owner's family grieving after 9-year-old relative dies in Texas floods: 'Our hearts are broken'

CENTRAL POINT, TEXAS: The family of Kansas City Chiefs owner, Clark Hunt, is in mourning after the heartbreaking news that nine-year-old Janie Hunt, a relative of theirs, was among the victims of the devastating floods that swept through Texas over the 4th of July weekend. 

Janie, a camper at Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls camp, died when sudden, deadly waters inundated the area. She was the great-granddaughter of late billionaire William Herbert Hunt, who was the brother of Lamar Hunt, the legendary founder of the Chiefs and father of the current owner.

Chiefs owner's family speaks out after 'tragic loss' in Texas floods

Tavia Hunt, wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, revealed that nine-year-old Janie Hunt, one of the victims of the devastating Texas floods, was a beloved member of their extended family. 

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Tavia wrote, “Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives – including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls."

She went on to reflect on her Christian faith in the face of such loss, writing, “How do we trust a God who is supposed to be good, all knowing and all powerful, but who allows such terrible things to happen – even to children?”

She called it a “sacred and tender question,” adding, "Scripture is filled with the cries of those whose hearts have been shattered, who still wrestle to trust the same God they believe allowed the pain."

After posting a series of Bible verses aimed at encouraging trust in God, she continued by expressing, "If your heart is broken, I assure you God is near. He is gentle with your wounds. And He is still worthy—even when your soul is struggling to believe it."

"Trust doesn’t mean you’re over the pain; it means you’re handing it to the only One who can hold it with love and restore what was lost. For we do not grieve as those without hope.💔🕊️🙏🏼," Tavia concluded. 

Camp Mystic co-owner and director died while trying to rescue children from the floodwaters

Amid the heartbreaking aftermath of the Texas floods, more tragic losses have come to light. Richard “Dick” Eastland, 70, co-owner and director of Camp Mystic, is reported to have died while attempting to rescue children as floodwaters surged through the area. 

He was confirmed deceased on Saturday, July 5, after being airlifted in a helicopter en route to a hospital. Eastland had been rescued after rushing toward one of the camp’s 23 cabins in an effort to save young girls.

The family of young camper Lila James Bonner also confirmed her death in a statement on Saturday.

"The family of Lila James Bonner is heartbroken to confirm the news of her loss. In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time," the statement read. 

They added, "We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss."

The death toll from the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has risen to more than 100, with dozens still missing, leaving families and communities mourning amid an outpouring of grief and support.