In the wake of unimaginable loss, a grieving Texas mother is asking the public for help in recovering a piece of her daughter’s memory.

Stacy Stevens, whose 8-year-old daughter Mary Barrett Stevens was among the 27 victims who tragically lost their lives during the catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, has issued an emotional appeal on social media. She’s asking for the return of Mary’s most cherished stuffed animal—a plush monkey made by Jellycat.

We lost my daughter and would love to have it back as it was her most prized possession,” Stacy wrote in a touching Facebook post.

The monkey, which Mary had since infancy, holds deep sentimental value. A square sticker bearing Mary’s full name is attached to the toy. According to Stacy, it was packed along with her belongings when she left for Camp Mystic, a summer retreat that turned into a scene of heartbreak after torrential rains swept through the area on July 4th weekend.

The rare and now out-of-stock Jellycat toy is symbolic of the joy and innocence Mary carried with her. Known as a fearless, enthusiastic, and joyful child, Mary left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

“Our world is shattered but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp,” Stacy shared in a statement to the Austin American-Statesman. “You had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us. He has bigger plans for you.

Mary was a student at a local elementary school in Austin and is survived by her loving parents, Stacy and Johnny, as well as her siblings, Graham and Lilly. The family is currently navigating “unimaginable grief,” according to a GoFundMe page set up by close friends.

The fundraiser describes Mary as a child whose laughter was infectious and whose heart was generous. “Her presence brought joy and comfort,” reads the campaign description.

As the death toll from the floods in Central Texas continues to rise—now surpassing 120, with over 170 individuals still missing—Mary’s story stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the lives behind the numbers.

Anyone who finds or recognizes the lost stuffed monkey is encouraged to contact local authorities or reach out through the original Facebook post.

Texas Mother Makes Heartfelt Plea to Recover Daughter’s Beloved Stuffed Animal After Camp Mystic Tragedy

In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy at Camp Mystic, a beloved summer retreat nestled in the Texas Hill Country, one grieving mother is reaching out with a simple but deeply emotional request: help her find her late daughter’s cherished stuffed animal.

The tragic incident occurred late last week, when 11-year-old Caroline “Carrie” McKinley lost her life during a tubing accident on the Guadalupe River. Carrie, a vibrant and adventurous spirit, was attending her third summer at Camp Mystic, a place she loved dearly and had been counting down the days to return to. Her sudden death has left her family, friends, and the greater Texas community devastated.

Now, amid the heartbreak, Carrie’s mother, Michelle McKinley, has turned to the public in hopes of recovering a tangible piece of her daughter — a small, well-worn stuffed rabbit named “Bunny,” that Carrie never went anywhere without.

“Bunny has been with Carrie since she was a baby,” Michelle shared in a Facebook post that has since gone viral. “It’s the one thing she slept with every single night. She took it to preschool, on vacations, and, of course, to camp. She even wanted Bunny in her college dorm one day.”

Michelle’s post describes Bunny as a faded white rabbit with long floppy ears and a pink ribbon around its neck. It is small enough to fit in a child’s backpack and, due to years of love and cuddling, its fur is thinning in places. Though unremarkable to most, Bunny held irreplaceable meaning for Carrie — and now for her grieving family.

According to Camp Mystic staff, Carrie’s belongings were collected and packed to be sent home following the accident. However, Bunny was not among them. It’s unclear if the stuffed animal was lost during the incident, misplaced in the chaos that followed, or inadvertently left behind during the gathering of personal effects.

Since Michelle’s public plea, volunteers, camp staff, and fellow parents have rallied in support. Several have returned to the campgrounds to assist in searching cabins, laundry areas, and nearby trails. Others have combed the riverside and checked lost-and-found bins.

“It’s not just about a stuffed animal,” said one camp counselor who knew Carrie. “It’s about giving a grieving family a piece of their daughter back. We all remember how much that little bunny meant to her. She was never without it.”

Michelle says the family has received an outpouring of messages from strangers, many of whom are parents themselves and understand the emotional value of a child’s treasured item. The story has since been picked up by local and national news outlets, with thousands of shares online. The hashtag #FindBunnyForCarrie is now spreading across social media platforms, as people across Texas — and beyond — join the search or send words of encouragement.

Though the recovery of Bunny may seem like a small gesture in the face of such a profound loss, psychologists say such tangible objects often hold deep psychological importance for grieving families.

“Objects like this stuffed animal can become symbols of comfort, connection, and continuity,” explains Dr. Erin Talbot, a child grief counselor based in Austin. “When we lose someone we love — especially a child — we cling to the pieces of them we can still hold. For this family, finding Bunny would be one more way to keep Carrie close.”

Carrie’s memorial service is scheduled for later this week in her hometown of Dallas. Michelle says that if Bunny is found, she hopes to place it in the service — not just as a tribute to her daughter’s memory, but as a reminder of the love and innocence that filled Carrie’s life.

“We lost our little girl, but we still believe in small miracles,” Michelle wrote in a follow-up post. “If anyone finds Bunny, please know you’re bringing more than just a toy home. You’re bringing a part of Carrie back to us.”

Anyone with information about Bunny or who may have visited Camp Mystic around the time of the incident is urged to contact the camp directly or reach out to the McKinley family through their public Facebook page.

As communities across Texas mourn the loss of a young life taken far too soon, a mother’s search for her daughter’s beloved companion stands as a powerful reminder: even the smallest items can carry the deepest meaning — and in times of grief, those small things can matter more than words.