ABC viewers ‘sending prayers’ as David Muir reveals the children who died in Texas flood

ABC viewers have paid tribute to the kids who died in the Texas floods at Kerr County’s Camp Mystic – a private Christian summer camp for girls located near the Guadalupe River

David Muir has been reporting on the floods(Image: ABC)

ABC viewers have sent “prayers” to the victims of the Texas floods after its anchor David Muir revealed the kids who died in the disaster.

In an ABC World News Tonight broadcast Muir discussed the youngsters that died at Kerr County’s Camp Mystic – a private Christian summer camp for girls located near the Guadalupe River. Tributes from their loved ones were also shown in the broadcast.

He revealed among the victims was Blakely McCrory, eight. Blakely’s mom, aunts and older brother went to Kerrville to help find her and her body has since been recovered, her granddad Douglas McLeod told ABC News. McLeod said, “This is a double tragedy for my daughter. She’s a very strong woman. But I know how much we’re grieving. We’re just devastated. But she’s showing strength on the outside.”

Another child who was tragically killed was Mary Grace Baker, an eight-year-old camper. Her school described her as a “bright light” who loved dance, art and Little League.

Blakeley’s granddad paid tribute to her(Image: @abcworldnewstonight/Instagram)

St. Anne Catholic School said in a statement, Mary Grace was “known for her kindness and friendship to all, her joyful spirit and her love for her faith and family. Her giggle was contagious, as was her spirit.”

It added, “She was a girls’ girl who loved pink, sparkles and bows in her signature angelic ringlet curls. We are heartbroken.”

Anna Margaret Bellows, eight, also died in the tragedy. In a tribute to her, the youngster’s mom Patricia Bellows, told Houston ABC station KTRK, “For those who knew her, she was a radiant joy. She was just a lot of fun and kind.”

Mary Grace Baker was killed in flash flooding(Image: @abcworldnewstonight/Instagram)

Patricia said she was grateful for camp director Dick Eastland and the counselors who sacrificed their lives to try to save their campers. They “loved our children and protected them until the very end,” she said.

Other Camp Mystic victims include Hanna Lawrence and Rebecca Lawrence, eight-year-old twin sisters from Dallas. Their grandfather, David Lawrence Jr., said, “It has been an unimaginable time for all of us. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten.”

Anna Margaret-Bellows died at Camp Mystic(Image: @abcworldnewstonight/Instagram)

The Lawrence family said in a statement, Hanna had “endless energy and imagination” and wanted to be a chef when she grew up to open a restaurant that feeds people in need for free. Rebecca had an infectious laugh, loved animals and wanted to be a teacher. She was “sweet and kind, but had a killer eye-roll,” her family added.

Paying tribute to the dead children, one ABC viewer, said, “This is just so sad. I can’t imagine the fear they had. Just wanting their mommy and daddy. Ugh. Prayers for these sweet families.” Another wrote, “Prayers for the families of these babies and the adults who lost their lives.”

A third person said, “All my respects to all the familes and prayers”. A fourth wrote, “As a mom and grandmother I cannot wrap my head around the pain these families are feeling. Sending heartfelt thoughts & prayers to all.” A fifth added, “So heartbreaking. Prayers for peace and comfort for all the family, friends and colleagues.”