**“‘MY HEART ACHES’: Gracie Hunt Mourns 9-Year-Old Relative Janie Hunt, Shares Heartfelt Message of Faith After Tragic Camp Mystic Flooding”**
The Kansas City Chiefs are a household name in professional football, a dynasty marked by success, grit, and passion. But beyond the roar of the stadium and the bright lights of Super Bowl glory, the Hunt family — who owns the iconic franchise — now finds itself enveloped in grief. Gracie Hunt, daughter of Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, is known to many for her philanthropic work, sports ambassadorship, and vibrant presence in the public eye. However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, she has stepped forward not to celebrate a win, but to share an emotional tribute after the tragic passing of her 9-year-old relative, Janie Hunt. The young girl died during the devastating Texas floods that swept through Camp Mystic, a cherished summer retreat nestled along the Guadalupe River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
The catastrophe that claimed Janie’s life was a sudden, cruel reminder of nature’s power and life’s fragility. Torrential rains and flash flooding engulfed large portions of Central Texas in early July 2025, with the Guadalupe River rising far above its banks and overtaking areas that had previously been safe. Camp Mystic, a beloved tradition for many families across Texas and beyond, became an unexpected site of heartbreak and loss. Emergency responders worked tirelessly, but the floodwaters were swift and unforgiving. As news of the tragedy emerged, the focus quickly shifted to the human cost — and the Hunt family, among others, found themselves shattered.
In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, Gracie Hunt turned to social media not for publicity, but as a means of mourning and connecting through faith. Her message struck a chord across the nation: “My heart aches. Our sweet Janie has gone to be with the Lord far too soon. She was joy and light, full of laughter and love. Though the pain is immense, I find comfort in knowing she is now wrapped in the arms of our Savior.” Accompanied by photos of Janie smiling at camp, in the embrace of loved ones, and surrounded by nature, Gracie’s post radiated both sorrow and grace.
The response to Gracie’s post was immediate and immense. From NFL players and coaches to fellow philanthropists, influencers, and everyday fans, thousands of comments poured in, offering condolences, prayers, and heartfelt support. It wasn’t just sympathy for a grieving family — it was a communal reckoning with the fragility of life and the innocence lost in a tragedy no one could have predicted. Kansas City Chiefs fans, many of whom see the Hunts as more than just team owners, rallied in solidarity, with flowers, cards, and tributes flooding the team’s headquarters. Camp Mystic alumnae, shaken and heartbroken, formed prayer chains, lit candles, and initiated fundraisers in Janie’s name.
Though just nine years old, Janie Hunt had already left an indelible mark. Described by those who knew her as “a burst of sunshine,” she loved horses, dancing, and spending summers at Camp Mystic with her cousins. “She had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world,” said one family friend. “Her laughter was contagious. Her hugs were legendary. And she loved Jesus with a childlike faith that moved adults to tears.” At her young age, Janie embodied a purity of spirit that brought people together — and in her passing, that same spirit now unites communities in grief and remembrance.
Gracie Hunt’s tribute did not stop at a single social media post. In the days following Janie’s death, Gracie spoke at a private memorial held in the family’s hometown of Dallas, Texas. Her voice, steady yet full of emotion, echoed through the sanctuary as she read from Scripture and reflected on the lessons Janie had taught them all. “In her short time with us, Janie reminded us how to love without reservation, to laugh without fear, and to trust in God’s plan even when it makes no sense.” Those in attendance described the service as both gut-wrenching and redemptive, a powerful juxtaposition of mourning and hope.
Faith has always been a cornerstone of the Hunt family’s values. Lamar Hunt, the family patriarch and founder of the AFL and the Kansas City Chiefs, was a devout Christian, and that legacy has continued through his children and grandchildren. In times of crisis, that faith becomes more than tradition — it becomes a lifeline. Gracie, who frequently uses her platform to share messages of spiritual encouragement, has been vocal about how prayer, Scripture, and community have carried her through this dark time. “We don’t always understand why,” she said in an Instagram Live video days after the tragedy. “But we do know who holds us in our pain. And that’s where we go — to the feet of Jesus.”
As the broader community copes with the ongoing impact of the Texas floods, the story of Janie Hunt’s passing has shone a light on a wider conversation about safety, preparedness, and the unpredictable force of climate-related disasters. Questions have been raised about camp safety protocols, early warning systems, and whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. While local authorities and Camp Mystic leadership continue to assess and investigate the timeline of events, families like the Hunts are left grappling with unanswerable questions and the unfathomable void left by a child’s death.
Still, amid the grief, something powerful is stirring. A movement in Janie’s memory is already taking root. The Hunt family, in conjunction with Camp Mystic and several faith-based organizations, has announced the formation of the Janie Grace Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships for underprivileged girls to attend Christian camps and retreats. “Janie loved camp,” Gracie wrote in another message. “And we want every little girl to have that same opportunity — to laugh, to worship, to grow, and to create the kind of memories that last a lifetime.”
The foundation’s mission goes beyond financial support. It aims to instill spiritual mentorship, promote water safety education, and create infrastructure that ensures the tragedies of the 2025 floods are never repeated. Already, donations are pouring in — from Kansas City fans, Texans, and even total strangers moved by Janie’s story and Gracie’s strength.
In a world too often characterized by division and despair, the ripple effect of Janie’s life and Gracie’s faith-filled response is something rare and sacred. Through her public mourning, Gracie Hunt has reminded the world that behind the fame and football are real people with real hearts — hearts that break, hearts that seek solace, and hearts that continue to believe in love, in heaven, and in healing.
And yet, even as the storm clouds clear and the sun returns to the Hill Country skies, the pain does not dissipate. Gracie’s recent post, accompanied by a black-and-white photo of Janie holding a butterfly, speaks volumes in its simplicity: “I miss you every second. Until we meet again, my sweet girl. I’ll carry your joy in my soul forever.”
The Kansas City Chiefs organization, too, has paid tribute in its own way. A moment of silence was held during training camp. Players wore black armbands in honor of Janie, and coaches spoke publicly about the importance of family, resilience, and leaning on one another during life’s hardest moments. “It’s not about wins and losses today,” said head coach Andy Reid. “It’s about love. And this family, our Chiefs family, we rally together when one of us is hurting.”
As the football world prepares for another season, and as Camp Mystic looks toward recovery and restoration, the name Janie Hunt will not be forgotten. Her story, her smile, her faith — all now woven into a legacy that transcends tragedy. Gracie Hunt, in her vulnerability and strength, has become the voice of that legacy. She has taken heartbreak and turned it into hope, not just for her family, but for thousands watching from afar, wondering how to face their own storms.
In the end, it’s not just about grief. It’s about grace. The kind Janie lived with, and the kind Gracie now shares — not because she has to, but because that’s what love does. It remembers. It honors. And even in the darkest valleys, it dares to believe that the light still shines.
