Hunt, Texas – The small, serene town nestled in the Texas Hill Country has become the center of a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken communities from Dallas to Kerr County and beyond. Eloise Peck, a vibrant teenager from Dallas, was among six young girls who tragically lost their lives in a catastrophic flash flood that struck during a summer retreat along the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas.
The incident, which occurred amid sudden and torrential rains, overwhelmed local creeks and turned the picturesque landscape into a deadly torrent. What was meant to be a peaceful and enriching summer getaway for these young girls quickly turned into an unimaginable nightmare — one that has devastated families and left entire communities grieving.
A Life Full of Promise and Kindness
Eloise Peck was known for her infectious energy, her deep sense of empathy, and a spirit that lit up every room she entered. Described by those who knew her as kind-hearted, curious, and full of life, Eloise was the kind of person who made others feel special just by being around her.
She loved the outdoors, cherished her friendships, and approached the world with both wonder and grace. Whether she was spending time with family, studying hard for school, or laughing with her closest friends, Eloise gave her whole heart to the people and passions she cared about.
In the classroom, she was a diligent student, admired not only for her intelligence but for her humility. Outside of school, she was a loyal friend and beloved by peers and teachers alike. Her passing has left a silence that no words can fill — but also a legacy that will endure through the lives she touched.
A Community in Mourning
The news of the tragedy has sent ripples of sorrow throughout North Texas, especially in Dallas, where Eloise and her friends called home. In the days following the flood, vigils and memorials have begun to take shape — scenes filled with flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and photographs of the girls who were so dearly loved.
Families, classmates, neighbors, and total strangers have come together in shock and solidarity, trying to make sense of a loss so vast and so cruel. Schools in Dallas have opened grief counseling centers and created safe spaces for students and staff to process the news. Church communities and local leaders have also stepped forward to offer support.
In Hunt and the surrounding Hill Country region, first responders, camp staff, and volunteers are being hailed for their courage and swift action in the midst of disaster. Still, the weight of the loss remains overwhelming.
Honoring Eloise and Her Friends
Plans are now underway for a memorial service that will honor Eloise Peck and the five other girls who perished in the flood. The service will serve not only as a tribute to the beautiful lives lost, but as a way for the community to stand together in remembrance and strength.
There is talk of a scholarship fund or youth foundation being established in Eloise’s name — a way to ensure her spirit of joy, generosity, and resilience continues to uplift others even in her absence.
As one family friend shared:
“Eloise was the kind of light that doesn’t go out. It spreads. And it keeps spreading, even now.”
A Tragic Reminder
The tragedy that took Eloise and her friends is a painful reminder of the power of nature and the need for vigilance in a world where weather can change in an instant. But even more so, it reminds us of the fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment, every conversation, every hug.
Final Thoughts
Eloise Peck leaves behind not just memories, but a message — to live with love, to laugh freely, to be kind, and to hold close the people who matter most. Her absence is profound, but her presence in the hearts of those who knew her is eternal.
As we mourn, we also celebrate. We celebrate a young woman who lived with radiant purpose, who loved deeply, and who will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Eloise Peck.
You are loved beyond measure.
You are missed beyond words.
And your light lives on in all of us.