Family fears loved ones were on board balloon that crashed

Monday, August 1, 2016
Family fears College Station natives aboard Austin balloon
Family members fear two College Station natives were on board the balloon that crashed outside of Austin on Saturday.

SAN ANTONIO (KTRK) -- Family members believe two College Station natives were on board the doomed balloon that crashed outside of Austin on Saturday.

Janis Stewart says her only child, Sunday, was as unique as her name.

"She was a comedian," said Stewart.

VIDEO: No survivors in fiery balloon crash outside of Austin

At least 16 people died in what is now the deadliest hot air balloon accident in U.S. history.

She was always willing to try something fun. A surprise balloon ride was planned months ago with Matt Rowan, even before their February wedding, but weather delayed it several times.

"She texted me Friday night and said, 'I'm so excited, we're getting to go on our balloon ride,'" said Stewart.

Her last post was a Snapchat to her mother about the ride. Stewart added, "It was just one of those things, I know her and I remember thinking that's so strange I haven't heard from her."

Sunday and Matt had reconnected after high school and fell in love. Sunday's five-year-old son Jett, his step-father Matt and his father Brent all co-parented.

"I was so proud of them because they put Jett first and that's as it should be," said Stewart.

The family says Jett's future is more important than the "hows" and whys" of what happened in that Caldwell County pasture.

If a safety lesson can be learned of course, Janis Stewart wants that. But more than anything to remember how Sunday made every day count. "Life is short and fleeting and squabbles and hardships in relationships need to be put in the past," said Stewart.