News & Current Events
Camp Mystic Owner Dies Trying To Save Campers During Texas Flood
Following disastrous floods that devastated 15 counties, including one where a summer camp leader lost his life, Texas proclaimed a state of disaster.
As communities look for missing children and recover from a tragedy that devastated numerous counties, Richard “Dick” Eastland, a Texas summer camp leader who died during fatal flash floods that reportedly started in early July, is being remembered for his last act of bravery.
More than 700 students were enrolled in Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp situated near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, when the tragedy occurred on Friday, July 4, 2025.
Richard, 74, a co-owner and long-time leader of Camp Mystic, reportedly tried to evacuate the youngest campers from the Bubble Inn cabin when floodwaters engulfed the premises, according to The Washington Post.
Later, he and the three girls he had attempted to save were discovered in a black SUV. He passed away on the way to the hospital, according to the authorities.
He was a father figure to generations of girls, according to journalist Kaitlyn Ross’s Facebook post, which widely acknowledged his passing and was confirmed by his nephew. She observed that his last deed demonstrated the commitment and kindness he displayed all of his life.
At Camp Mystic, search and rescue operations persisted while the community grieved his passing. On Saturday, July 5, city officials claimed that 27 of the camp’s girls were still unaccounted for. Tweety Eastland, Richard’s wife and co-camp manager, was later discovered safe at their residence.
As the third generation to run the private Christian camp since its founding in 1939, Richard and his wife took over as Camp Mystic’s leaders in 1974, carrying on a family tradition. They worked with their kids and grandkids to assist girls develop their faith, character, and self-confidence, according to the camp’s website.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recalled the circumstances that resulted in Camp Mystic’s devastation, stating that the camp housed several hundred youngsters at the time. Most of them made it to higher ground, where they waited for help without power. However, in the early aftermath, dozens were still missing.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said the exact number of missing campers was still being determined. “The problem was, it was a holiday weekend here,” he said, referring to the Fourth of July celebration. “We had a lot of campers, and we do not know that number at this time.”
Governor Greg Abbott visited Kerrville over the weekend and promised the state’s full support for local recovery while local officials attempted to account for those who were still missing. “This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” he stated.
Abbott stated that in order to guarantee that all issues were resolved promptly and efficiently, state and local agencies were collaborating closely. He promised impacted communities “limitless” support.
Abbott proclaimed 15 counties—Bandera, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, and Tom Green—in a state of disaster on July 4. This allowed state agencies to suspend some rules and provide emergency assistance.
“I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster,” the proclamation stated.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management elevated the State Emergency Operations Centre to Level II in order to coordinate the response. Over 1,000 personnel, 800 vehicles and equipment assets, and 15 agencies have been sent by the state. Additionally, federal aid has been made available.
These actions were taken in reaction to the extensive destruction brought about by the flooding, which started earlier this week and quickly extended over the area.
Flash floods occurred in Central and West Texas as a result of severe storms that started on July 2. Communities along the river were submerged, and emergency infrastructure was overloaded when the Guadalupe River swelled over hazardous levels.
CNN reports that at least 82 people, including 28 children, have perished around the state. With 68 verified deaths, Kerr County recorded the most deaths. As crews continued their search, Sheriff Leitha said it was still unclear how many people were missing overall.
Teams of rescue workers are still on the ground. Drones have been used by the Texas Air National Guard to help with the endeavour. Additionally, according to CNN, Kerr County had previously thought of putting flood warning sirens, but the idea was never carried out.
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