8-year-old died during floods in Texas—a riderless horse walked behind her hearse in heartwrenching tribute
Losing a loved one because of a tragedy isn't an easy thing. So, when 8-year-old Virginia Hollis lost her life during the Camp Mystic flooding in Hunt, Texas, her community in Bellville assembled en masse to pay tribute to her. One in the crowd stood out for their heartwrenching yet special tribute—it was Virginia's horse, who walked behind her hearse silently with other mourners. The riderless horse was led by the little girl's grandfather, per KPRC 2 Click2Houston.
Virginia was at Camp Mystic when it was hit by the devastating flooding near the Guadalupe River in the early hours of Fourth of July. A couple of days later, at her funeral on July 16, people gathered in huge numbers wearing green bows to pay their tributes. The green was a symbolic tribute to all the girls who lost their lives due to the floods in Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls in Texas. First responders started a procession 150 miles away from the town and drove their cars in front of the hearse, before it entered the town. Once they reached Bellville, the officers led the procession in their cars, while the girl's family followed her hearse on foot. Green bows also graced poles, businesses and posters, as the town honored the girl.
A lot of businesses also closed early to ensure that the community could be there for the family during their difficult time. Virginia's grandpa walked right behind the hearse with her beloved horse, Salt Valley, with an empty saddle, per another video from the outlet. The girl's pink riding boots and cowboy hat were tied to the horse in the opposite direction, which symbolizes the end of a young rider's life, according to a Western tradition. Her parents walked right behind them while holding each other's hands. People also left pink teddy bears and flowers at a memorial made for the girl. Virginia was remembered her as a brave and curious girl who loved to fish and the color pink. "I think we are a town that really loves deeply and we support the family," a community member remarked.
"I think what mattered the most to me was to see that there's still goodness in the world," another woman pointed out. "And to see that the whole state is coming together, that just speaks volumes." A man added, "We lean on each other, we support each other, it is a touching thing and it is a heartwarming thing." People shared their condolences with the family in the comments section of the video. @TVerse-3dRm wrote, "This story hit me hard, seeing the riderless horse with the little boots turned around. I can't fathom the loss they are feeling right now. Praying that The Good Lord wraps you in his loving arms and comforts you."
@msmith1109 commented, "God bless her family and community and give them peace. This is what all the victims and their loved ones need right now. Love and compassion." @brendabingham1761 remarked, "God bless her parents and prayers lifted for peace, comfort and strength in Jesus' name." @mollyrae2464 shared, "May God bless the family and town, give them strength from above." @sjs-stev expressed, "God bless this family and the whole community who mourned her."
If a disaster (natural or human‑caused) has left you distressed, and you need help, please reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1‑800‑985‑5990 (call or text). samhsa.gov