Texas has declared a state of disaster after catastrophic flooding swept through 15 counties, claiming at least 82 lives — including 28 children. Among the victims was Richard “Dick” Eastland, a revered summer camp leader who died while trying to rescue campers from rising waters at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. His death has left a deep void in a community he served for decades.

The tragedy struck on July 4, 2025, when flash floods tore through Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ camp nestled along the Guadalupe River. More than 700 children were at the camp when the waters surged. Eastland, 74, co-owner of the camp, was discovered in an SUV alongside three girls he had attempted to evacuate. He succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.

The tragedy struck on July 4, 2025, when flash floods tore through Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ camp nestled along the Guadalupe River. More than 700 children were at the camp when the waters surged. Eastland, 74, co-owner of the camp, was discovered in an SUV alongside three girls he had attempted to evacuate. He succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.