DETROIT (Michigan News Source) —The devastating flash floods that tore through Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp along the Guadalupe River, have brought heartbreak with a connection to Michigan—claiming the lives of two 8-year-old granddaughters of David Lawrence Jr., former Detroit Free Press publisher.

Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence were at Camp Mystic in Kerr County when rising waters engulfed the all-girls summer camp over the July 4 weekend. At least 27 children and counselors died there, contributing to a statewide death toll over 100.

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Lawrence, who led the Free Press from 1978 to 1989 before heading the Miami Herald and later focusing on early childhood education advocacy, called the loss “unimaginable,” according to the Detroit Free Press.

“Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy, their sister Harper, and all in our family so much joy,” he said.