8-Year-Old Camper’s Horse Walks Behind Her Hearse in Emotional Tribute
A riderless horse paid a symbolic tribute to an 8-year-old Texas flood victim during the little girl's somber July 16 funeral procession in her hometown of Bellville.
Virginia Hollis was one of 750 children attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp in Hunt, Texas, when devastating flash floods swept through on the morning of July 4.
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On Wednesday, residents lined the streets in silence to honor Virginia as her hearse led a long line of cars into downtown Bellville, NBC affiliate KPRC-TV reported.
The procession began more than 150 miles away in San Antonio and included vehicles driven by law enforcement officers. When the vehicles reached Bellville, they were joined by Virginia's parents and other loved ones, who continued on foot.
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Virginia’s grandfather walked behind her hearse while leading her horse, Salt Valley, whose saddle sat empty.
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Virginia’s small cowgirl hat and pink boots were placed backwards in Salt Valley's stirrups, a tradition that symbolizes the death of young rider, according KPRC-TV.
Those who knew Virginia described her as brave little girl who was curious and full of life, KPRC-TV reported. She also enjoyed fishing and she liked the color pink.
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Mourners who showed up to pay their respects during Virginia's funeral procession wore green bows to represent Camp Mystic.
Community members also showed support by wrapping green bows around poles, trees and buildings in the small city, and left stuffed bears and flowers at a memorial for Virginia.
The statewide death toll from the floods has risen to 132 with 101 people still missing, Texas governor Greg Abbott announced on July 14.
