Hadley Hanna was one of 25 campers who tragically lost their lives during the historic floods at Camp Mystic in 2025. Her parents, Carrie and Doug Hanna, are now honoring their daughter’s memory while advocating for stronger safety standards at youth camps through their foundation, Hugs From Hadley.
Nearly a year after the devastating event, the Hanna family continues to grapple with their grief while pushing for enhancements in camp safety to ensure that other children can enjoy summer experiences without fear. The couple is dedicated to preserving the joyful memories of their daughter while striving to improve conditions for future campers.
Family Remembers Camp Mystic Flood
Hadley was known for her joyful spirit and enthusiasm for life. She attended Camp Mystic for the first time just before the floods hit Texas Hill Country in July 2025. On the same day, her sister Harper was also at the camp and fortunately survived.
Carrie Hanna, Hadley’s mother, has her own deep connection to Camp Mystic, having spent 14 summers there as both a camper and later as a counselor. She had always envisioned sharing this cherished experience with her daughters. “I told Doug before we got married, if we ever had girls, they were going to Mystic,” she recalled. Sadly, what was once a place of friendship and independence became a site of unimaginable tragedy.
Doug Hanna recounted the heartbreaking moment when they learned Hadley was missing, recalling the painful conversation he had with Harper. “I said, ‘Harper, we don’t know where Hadley is.’ The longer it takes to find someone in a situation like this, the more likely it is that the news will be bad,” he said.
Advocacy for Safer Camp Standards
As they navigate their grief, the Hanna family has become vocal advocates for improved safety measures at youth camps. Carrie has testified before Texas lawmakers, pushing for legislation that would enhance safety protocols for camps across the state. Doug emphasized the importance of the camp experience for children, stating, “Camp is important for kids. It gives them independence and teaches them that they can do things on their own.”
Despite their sorrow, the family has received an outpouring of support from strangers nationwide, which has helped to affirm the impact Hadley’s story has had on many. The Hugs From Hadley Foundation was established to support initiatives that reflect Hadley’s passions, such as camp scholarships, adaptive skiing programs, and aid for first responders.
Carrie expressed the foundation’s purpose, saying it aims to carry forward Hadley’s kindness while allowing the family to celebrate her life rather than dwell on the tragedy of her passing. “I can hold my good memories in one hand and my biggest nightmare in another. My child matters so much more. All of our girls matter so much more than a place and a piece of land,” she shared.
Looking Ahead
The Hanna family continues to honor Hadley’s memory in their everyday lives by embracing new experiences with their surviving daughters and working to ensure that other families can send their children to camp with greater confidence in their safety. They also organize events and sell merchandise, with all proceeds directed to the Hugs From Hadley Foundation, fostering a legacy of kindness and safety.
