With broken hearts and profound grief, the communities of Badon, Beaumont, and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) mourn the tragic and untimely loss of Joyce Catherine Badon, who passed away on July 4, 2025, at the age of 21.
Joyce’s passing has left an unimaginable void in the lives of her family, friends, classmates, and all who were blessed to know her. Her spirit, kindness, and passion will be cherished forever.
What Happened
On July 4, 2025, Joyce Catherine Badon, a senior architecture student at SCAD, tragically lost her life after being caught in a catastrophic flood on the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.
Joyce was staying at a cabin along the river with three college friends when sudden floodwaters rose rapidly during the early morning hours. The powerful current overwhelmed the cabin, causing it to collapse.
In her final moments, Joyce sent a heartbreaking message to her family, saying, “We are floating away,” before her phone fell silent. After an intense search effort led by her devoted father, Ty Badon, Joyce’s body was later recovered.
Who Was Joyce Catherine Badon?
Joyce was a beloved senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design, studying architecture. She was admired for her exceptional creativity, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Her dedication extended beyond academics. Joyce participated in community service initiatives, including helping to reorganize donation centers for Goodwill as part of SCAD’s service programs.
Professors and classmates remember her as a bright, warm presence who brought joy, insight, and heart to every project and interaction.
For those lucky enough to know her personally, Joyce was a radiant light. She possessed a rare ability to truly see and uplift others. Whether through her infectious smile, kind words, or generous actions, Joyce forged meaningful connections everywhere she went.
A Tragic Timeline
The loss of Joyce follows a sudden and devastating event. The floodwaters surged unexpectedly on July 4, washing away the cabin where Joyce and her friends were staying.
In her final act of courage, she reached out to her family, a testament to her bravery and deep love even in the face of tragedy. The remains of one of her friends were also recovered, and the search continues for the others, as the community holds them in their thoughts and prayers.
Family and Community Reactions
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, tributes have poured in from SCAD, Joyce’s family, friends, and wider community.
Her mother, Kelly Badon, shared a deeply moving message on social media, posting a photo of a rainbow that appeared after Joyce’s passing — a sign she believes was from her daughter. She wrote, “All is well with my soul,” capturing the profound faith and grace with which the family is facing this loss.
Joyce’s loved ones remember her infectious smile, radiant spirit, and the countless ways she made the world brighter.
Honoring Joyce’s Life
The Badon family has expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. The community will be invited to come together to honor and celebrate Joyce’s life — a life that, though tragically short, was beautifully and meaningfully lived.
The family encourages everyone to carry forward Joyce’s legacy by living with greater love, joy, and grace, just as she did during her 21 years on earth.
Conclusion
Though Joyce Catherine Badon’s physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every life she touched. Her kindness, creativity, and unwavering courage will continue to inspire and guide those who knew and loved her.
The communities of Badon, Beaumont, and SCAD will forever remember Joyce as a radiant light who brought warmth and joy to all around her.