“We’re Being Washed Away”: Father Shares Final Text from Daughter Swept Away in Texas Floods — 21-Year-Old’s Message Leaves a Nation Grieving
Amid the devastating floods that have ravaged Central Texas, a heartbreaking moment has surfaced that is shaking the nation to its core: the final text message of 21-year-old Joyce Catherine Badon to her father before she was swept away by rising waters.
A Final Message That Broke the Silence
Joyce, a beloved daughter and college student, was enjoying a weekend with friends when torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to burst its banks. As water rushed in and chaos unfolded, Joyce managed to send one last, haunting message to her father, Ty Badon:
“We’re being washed away.”
Seconds later, her phone went silent.
Those would be the final words her family would ever receive from her.
A Search Fueled by Faith and Desperation
Volunteer search leader Louis Deppe confirmed the devastating truth. Joyce’s lifeless body was recovered after intense search operations. Her mother, Kellye Badon, took to Facebook with a message that captured both devastation and divine hope:
“God showed us the way we should go this morning. We found our lovely daughter who blessed us for 21 years. We pray to be able to find her three friends soon. Thanks to EVERYONE for the prayers and support. God is good!”
Three Still Missing — A Community Holding Its Breath
Joyce wasn’t alone. With her were three close friends: Ella Cahill, Aidan Heartfield, and Reese Manchaca — all of whom remain missing as of today. Authorities and volunteer crews continue tireless rescue operations, while families cling to hope in what has become one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history.
In a separate call, Aidan’s father revealed what may have been his son’s final words:
“Hey, I’ve got to go. I’ve got to help Ella and Reese… they just got washed away.”
Moments later, that line went dead too.
A Growing Death Toll — And Questions About Responsibility
Officials now confirm that at least 109 people have lost their lives, with 161 still reported missing, following days of relentless flooding across the Texas Hill Country. Emergency teams have conducted over 850 high-water rescues using helicopters, boats, and drones.
As the grief intensifies, so do the questions. According to The New York Times, Texas officials are blaming the National Weather Service for failing to issue timely flood alerts — a failure some believe was caused by budget cuts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reportedly initiated by Elon Musk.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded sharply:
“Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie and it serves no purpose in the time of national mourning.”
Beyond Politics: A Family’s Eternal Loss
But beyond the headlines, this is a story about a father, a daughter, and a final message that echoes through the heart of a grieving nation. A young woman full of life, love, and dreams—taken too soon by a force no one could stop.
Her voice may have gone silent… but her final words will never be forgotten.
