Dick Eastland, a 70-year-old owner and director of a Christian girls’ summer camp in Texas, tragically lost his life while trying to save campers from deadly flash floods. The camp, Camp Mystic in Kerr County, was a beloved place where Eastland spent years teaching girls how to fish, while his wife Tweety offered cookies and hugs. However, the camp faced a devastating flood when the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people, including at least 28 children.
Despite previous floods in the area, Eastland had been warning about the potential dangers for years. After a flood in 1987 that claimed the lives of 10 teens, he pushed for an updated flood warning system and served on the board of the local river authority. Unfortunately, the warning system was shut down in 1999 due to being deemed unreliable.
Just days before the recent deadly flood, inspectors had visited the camp and confirmed it had an emergency evacuation plan in place. However, when the flood struck, girls were trapped in their cabins as a torrent of water rushed in. Kerr County, where the camp is located, does not have a local flood warning system, as residents felt it was too costly to implement.
Eastland’s dedication to the safety of the camp was evident, as he had experienced the dangers of the river firsthand when his wife had to be airlifted out due to flooding. Despite knowing the risks, Eastland and his son bravely tried to save as many lives as possible during the tragic event. Former campers remember Eastland fondly, with one alum describing him as a grandfather figure who always made them feel loved and cared for.
Eastland’s grandson, George, paid tribute to his grandfather’s heroism in an Instagram post, acknowledging his selfless act of sacrificing his life to save others. Though Eastland may no longer be with us, his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
