Virginia Larins Hollis, 8, Tragically Lost in Guadalupe River Flooding on July 4th; Beloved Daughter of Lars Hollis Mourned by Community
With broken hearts and unfathomable grief, we share the tragic and devastating news of the passing of Virginia Larins Hollis, a radiant 8-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short in the catastrophic July 4th floods along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas. Virginia was the beloved daughter of Lars Hollis, a deeply respected and cherished member of our HP (Highland Park) family, and her loss has sent shockwaves through not only her family, but through all who were blessed to know her.
Virginia was more than a child; she was a spark of light, a source of endless laughter, and a living symbol of innocence, joy, and pure love. Whether it was her infectious giggle, her boundless curiosity, or her gentle heart, Virginia left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. Her teachers remember her as thoughtful and creative, her friends as brave and kind, and her family simply as “our sunshine.”
💔 A Sudden and Unimaginable Tragedy
On July 4th, 2025, what began as a holiday of joy and celebration quickly turned to catastrophe when heavy rains caused sudden flash flooding along the Guadalupe River, a popular destination for summer camps and outdoor recreation. Families, including Virginia’s, were gathered to enjoy the natural beauty of Central Texas when the floodwaters surged without warning.
Despite rapid efforts to evacuate and reach safety, the powerful currents overwhelmed multiple areas along the riverbanks. Virginia was among those swept away by the floodwaters. After days of intense search efforts by first responders, Texas Game Wardens, and volunteers, her body was recovered—confirming the heartbreak that so many feared.
🕊️ A Community in Mourning
The entire Highland Park and Camp Mystic community is in mourning. Vigils have been held in her memory, and floral tributes continue to pour in from friends, neighbors, classmates, and community members. Messages from families across Texas describe how Virginia touched their hearts—even if only for a moment—with her spirit and warmth.
“She was the kind of child who made you stop and smile,” one family friend shared. “Even in her young years, she showed the kind of compassion that takes most people a lifetime to learn.”
At school, Virginia was a favorite among her classmates for her artistic flair and deep empathy. She loved painting, playing piano, reading stories about magical adventures, and crafting thoughtful cards for birthdays and holidays. She was often seen holding hands with friends at recess or volunteering to help a classmate with their schoolwork.
Her absence will leave a void too deep for words. Yet her memory is a vivid presence in every heart she touched.
👨👩👧 A Family Devastated
Lars Hollis and his family are enduring an unimaginable loss. As a respected member of the HP community, Lars is known for his humility, generosity, and dedication to service—traits that clearly lived on in his daughter. The family has expressed their profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers they’ve received during this unbearable time.
“Virginia was our heart, our light, and our joy. There is no way to describe the pain we feel, but we are uplifted by the love she left behind and the support surrounding us now.”
The Hollis family has requested privacy as they grieve, but they have also announced plans to establish a memorial fund in Virginia’s name—one that will support environmental safety programs and children’s education initiatives, reflecting the causes she would have championed.
🌼 Honoring Virginia’s Legacy
In the coming days, a memorial service will be held in Dallas to celebrate Virginia’s life. Friends, teachers, classmates, and neighbors will gather to remember her not for how her life ended, but for how she lived it—with joy, with gentleness, and with an open heart.
Camps across Central Texas are also reevaluating safety protocols and river proximity policies as a tribute to those lost in the floods. While no policy can undo the pain of this tragedy, these changes aim to honor young lives like Virginia’s by creating a safer future for others.
🕯️ We Remember
Though only eight years old, Virginia Larins Hollis lived a life filled with love, kindness, and grace. Her passing is a profound loss—but her spirit endures in the ripples of every kind word she shared, every piece of artwork she created, and every heart she brightened.
May her memory be a blessing, her name never forgotten, and her legacy a call to love more deeply, cherish more fiercely, and protect what matters most.
Rest in peace, sweet Virginia. You will always be loved. Always.