Texas Summer Camp Owner’s Heartbreaking Final Act During Devastating Flood Revealed – Details
After devastating floods devastated 15 counties, including one where a summer camp leader perished, Texas issued a state of emergency.
As towns continue to look for missing children and recover from a disaster that devastated numerous counties, attention is being paid to Richard “Dick” Eastland, a summer camp leader in Texas who died during fatal flash floods that reportedly started in early July.
The catastrophe occurred on Friday, July 4, 2025, while more than 700 youngsters were enrolled in Camp Mystic, a Christian camp exclusively for girls in Kerr County along the Guadalupe River.
When floodwaters flooded the Bubble Inn cabin, Richard, 74, a co-owner and longstanding leader of Camp Mystic, reportedly tried to evacuate the youngest campers, according to The Washington Post.
He later discovered three ladies, whom he had attempted to save, in a black SUV. Authorities said that he passed away on the way to the hospital.
Journalist Kaitlyn Ross posted on Facebook that he was a father figure to generations of girls, and his nephew confirmed his death, which was universally accepted. She observed that his last deed reflected the commitment and kindness he displayed throughout his life.
While the community grieved his passing, search and rescue operations at Camp Mystic persisted. According to reports, 27 of the camp’s girls remained unaccounted for as of Saturday, July 5. Tweety Eastland, Richard’s wife, who helped run the camp, was eventually discovered safe at their house.
In 1974, Richard and his spouse took over as Camp Mystic’s leaders, carrying on a family tradition as the third generation to manage the exclusive Christian camp since its founding in 1939. As per the camp’s website, they collaborated with their kids and grandkids to assist girls in developing their self-esteem, faith, and moral fiber.
Several hundred children were housed at Camp Mystic at the time, according to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who recalled the circumstances that resulted in its destruction. Most made it to higher ground and waited for help without electricity. Dozens, however, were still missing in the early aftermath.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha continues to ascertain the precise number of campers who went missing. He remarked, “The problem was, it was a holiday weekend here,” alluding to the Fourth of July holiday. “We had many campers, and we do not know that number at this time.”
During his weekend visit to Kerrville, Governor Greg Abbott promised to use all state resources to aid local recovery, while local officials attempted to account for individuals who were still missing. “This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” he declared.
To guarantee that all issues were promptly and successfully resolved, Abbott said state and municipal agencies were collaborating closely. He pledged “limitless” support to impacted areas.
Abbott issued a state of disaster declaration for 15 counties on July 4 (Bandera, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, and Tom Green), enabling state agencies to suspend certain rules and provide emergency assistance.
“I authorize the use of all available resources from state government and political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster,” the statement read.
The State Emergency Operations Center was elevated to Level II by the Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the response. The state has dispatched 15 agencies, 800 vehicles and equipment assets, and over 1,000 responders. There has also been federal help.
The extensive destruction brought about by the flooding, which started earlier in the week and quickly extended throughout the area, prompted these efforts.
Central and West Texas experienced flash floods as a result of severe storms that started on July 2. Beyond its critical levels, the Guadalupe River overflowed emergency infrastructure and flooded villages along its course.
At least 82 people, including 28 children, have perished around the state, CNN reports. Kerr County reported 68 confirmed deaths. Sheriff Leitha stated that as personnel continued their search, it was still unclear how many people were missing overall.
Rescue personnel are still on the ground. To help with the effort, the Texas Air National Guard has sent out drones. Kerr County had previously contemplated placing flood warning sirens, but the proposal was never carried out, according to CNN.
