Pens Emotional Tribute: ‘Thank You for Sharing Greta with Us’
Greta Toranzo was at Camp Mystic when she “lost her life in the Kerr County floods,” her family confirmed
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NEED TO KNOW
- After the tragic flooding, Greta Toranzo — a student at Sinclair Elementary School — was among the dozens of girls missing from Camp Mystic
- Days later, the school’s PTO shared that her family confirmed she had died
- In addition to sharing a touching tribute, a makeshift memorial for Greta has been set up outside of her school
A Houston school community is paying tribute to a 10-year-old girl who died after Texas floodwaters inundated a beloved summer camp.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragic flooding, Greta Toranzo — a student at Sinclair Elementary School — was among the dozens of girls missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp on the Guadalupe River.
On Tuesday, July 8, the Sinclair Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) shared that Greta’s family confirmed she “lost her life in the Kerr County floods.”
“We know this feels impossible to process,” their statement read, going on to state that there weren’t any words that could ease the family’s pain.
“Please know our community will continue to lift you all in our thoughts and hearts for the days and months to come and we will remain steadfast in our support,” their statement added. “Thank you for sharing Greta with us. May she rest in peace and live forever in our hearts.”
The organization went on to encourage their community to continue leaving messages and flowers at a makeshift memorial on campus to celebrate Greta’s life.
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In a statement released while she was still missing, school district officials said they were “committed to doing all we can to support Greta’s family and the Sinclair community during this difficult time.”
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CW affiliate KIAH reported that students, teachers and neighbors have all visited the memorial outside the school, leaving flower and stuffed animals.
Tracy Clause, who lost her son in a 2007 car accident, visited the school to leave a tribute for Greta.
“Losing a child is the worst thing that could probably happen to you, and this way is even worse to me,” she told CBS affiliate KHOU.
Additionally, a therapy dog named Justice was brought into the school on Tuesday to provide comfort to the students during this time of grieving, according to NBC affiliate KPRC.
“The dog provides an amazing therapeutic service — the comfort and support the children seek — helping them cope through moments like this. It’s important for Justice to be here now,” Officer Steven Bennett told the outlet.
PEOPLE contacted Sinclair Elementary School and the Houston ISD for comment on Thursday, July 10.
As of Thursday, at least 120 people have been confirmed dead from the flooding, CNN reported.
To learn how to help support the victims and recovery efforts from the Texas floods, click here.
