EXCLUSIVE (KXAN) – In a heart-wrenching interview with KXAN Investigates, the McCown family of Austin, Texas opened up about the tragic loss of their eight-year-old daughter, Linnie, who was killed during a deadly flood at Camp Mystic just two months ago. Through their unimaginable grief, the McCowns found strength to share their story and keep Linnie’s memory alive.
“Linnie was so special,” Linnie’s mother, Callie McCown, said with tears in her eyes. “She was our little angel, full of life and love. We miss her every day.”
Linnie was the middle child of the McCown family, with two older brothers who adored her. She was a bright and talented young girl, with a passion for dance. Her parents describe her as a ray of sunshine, always bringing joy and laughter wherever she went.
On May 27th, the McCown family’s idyllic summer vacation at Camp Mystic turned into a nightmare when heavy rain caused flash flooding in the area. Linnie was among the campers who were swept away by the swift currents of the overflowing creek. Despite the camp’s best efforts to rescue her, Linnie tragically lost her life.
The McCown family has been devastated by the loss of their beloved daughter, but they are determined to honor her memory and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. They are speaking out to raise awareness about the dangers of flash flooding and the importance of proper safety measures at camps and outdoor activities.
“We want to make sure that no other family has to go through what we have gone through,” Linnie’s father, John McCown, shared. “Our daughter’s life was cut short, but we want her legacy to be one of saving others.”
The McCowns are calling for stricter safety regulations at camps and outdoor activities, as well as improved emergency protocols in case of severe weather. They also urge parents to educate themselves and their children about flash flooding and how to stay safe in such situations.
“We never imagined that our family vacation would end in such a tragedy. We never thought it could happen to us,” Callie McCown said. “But we want to use our pain to prevent this from happening to others. We want to spread awareness and educate people about the dangers of flash flooding, and the importance of being prepared.”
The McCowns are also cherishing the memories they have of Linnie and finding comfort in the support of their community and loved ones. They have set up a memorial fund in Linnie’s name to honor her love for dance and to provide dance opportunities for underprivileged children in their community.
Despite the pain and loss, the McCowns choose to focus on the love and light that Linnie brought into their lives. They are determined to keep her spirit alive and to turn their tragedy into something positive.
“We know that Linnie is looking down on us and smiling,” John McCown said. “She was our little dancer, and now she is dancing in the sky.”
The McCown family’s strength and resilience in the face of such a devastating loss is truly inspiring. Their message of love, awareness, and prevention is one that we should all take to heart. Let us honor Linnie’s memory by keeping her family’s important message alive and making sure that no other child’s life is cut short by preventable tragedies.
