Dick Eastland, the camp director and co-owner of Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, tragically passed away while reportedly attempting to save the lives of young campers when horrific flash flooding struck Central Texas and led the Guadalupe River to overflow, killing at least 68 people.
For background, on July 5, 2025, press accounts confirmed that Dick Eastland, the director of the Christian summer camp Camp Mystic, was killed by the flash flooding that broke out the day before in Central Texas. According to Texas Public Radio, Eastland’s death was confirmed by his nephew, Gardner Eastland, in a now-deleted Facebook post. No further details about his passing were provided.
Responding to Eastland’s tragic death in a July 5, 2025, X post, Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) mourned the director’s loss, saying, “Camp Mystic’s Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers.” The lawmaker added, “For decades he and his wife Tweety poured his life into loving and developing girls and women of character. Thank you Mr. Eastland. We love you and miss you.”
In addition, in a subsequent X post, Rep. Pfluger clarified that his own two daughters, Caroline and Juliana, were evacuated from Camp Mystic and were safe, adding, “The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors.”
Continuing, Rep. Pfluger said, “We want to thank the first responders who have come from far and wide to save lives. The TX Division of Emergency Management has been incredible and the White House, DHS, FEMA, DPS and local officials have all been responsive and helpful.” He added, “Please join us today as we pray for miracles.”
Moreover, in response to the horrific flooding, Texas Governor Greg Abbott urged Americans to pray for those affected, declaring July 6, 2025, a national day of prayer. In a statement, Governor Abbott urged “every Texan” to join him in praying “for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines.”
Continuing, Gov. Abbott expressed his extreme grief over the disaster, saying, “Our hearts as a people are collectively aching for the families of loved ones who are still missing or who perished in the floods, and for the first responders who are putting their lives on the line to recover the lost.” He added that it was “right and fitting” for Texans to “join with others from across the country and around the world to seek God’s wisdom for ourselves and our leaders.”
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In addition, according to the Associated Press, Kerr County, Texas, Sheriff Larry Leitha pledged to continue the search for those who went missing in the flood “until everybody is found,” going on to confirm that 41 people, including 10 children, are still unaccounted for, and that the bodies of 68, tragically including 28 children, have been found.
Watch coverage of Eastland’s passing:
Featured image credit: video screengrab