As of early Monday morning, the death toll from the devastating flash floods that struck Texas over the 4th of July weekend has reached 82 lives lost, including at least 20 children. The tragedy has shaken communities across the state and drawn widespread attention, especially as families mourn the loss of loved ones and search operations continue for those still missing.

Rescue efforts have involved not only first responders and the U.S. Coast Guard but also countless local residents who have joined forces to help find survivors amid the chaos. One name stands out among the many heroes: Dick Eastland, the longtime director of Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls. Eastland tragically lost his life on Saturday while trying to save others during the flood, embodying the spirit of selflessness and leadership he had long exemplified.

The floods were triggered by an unprecedented rise in the Guadalupe River, which surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes on Friday, according to state officials. The rising waters overwhelmed the region with little warning, particularly impacting Camp Mystic, where children were attending summer programs. As of now, 27 campers from the girls’ camp remain unaccounted for, and the search for them continues, with hope still alive among families and rescuers.

The story of Dick Eastland has struck a deep chord nationwide. At 70 years old, Eastland had dedicated much of his life to nurturing the spiritual and personal growth of young women through Camp Mystic. When the floodwaters hit, Eastland didn’t hesitate—he sprang into action to try and save as many campers as possible. His final moments were marked by courage and devotion. Sadly, he succumbed to the disaster while doing what he had always done: putting others before himself.

Gardner Eastland, Dick’s nephew, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a now-deleted Facebook post cited by Fox News. Dick’s wife, Tweety Eastland, was found safe at their home. The couple had four children and eleven grandchildren, many of whom have played active roles in running Camp Mystic. Their legacy has spanned generations, with Dick being the third in his family to lead the camp since its founding in 1926.

Congressman August Pfluger paid tribute to Eastland in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that his daughters had been among those rescued from Camp Mystic. Pfluger wrote, “Camp Mystic’s Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers. 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.”

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly provided further details, stating that Eastland passed away en route to a Houston hospital via helicopter. His loss has sent ripples through the community—not only as a camp director but as a pillar of the wider Kerr County area.

According to Camp Mystic’s website, Dick’s oldest son, Richard, ran the kitchen operations, while his youngest son, Edward, and Edward’s wife served as co-directors of the Guadalupe River location. The entire Eastland family has been deeply involved in the camp’s mission and daily operations, making the tragedy especially personal for those who knew them.

The specifics of how Dick Eastland spent his final moments remain unclear, but accounts from past campers and colleagues paint a vivid picture of a man whose kindness, strength, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact. Having survived brain cancer in the past, Eastland was no stranger to adversity. At the camp, he often led fishing classes for younger girls and was widely seen as a father figure.

Former camper Paige Sumner shared her memories in the Kerrville Daily Times, saying, “Dick was the father figure to all of us while we were away from home at Camp Mystic for six weeks. He was the father of four amazing boys, but he had hundreds of girls each term who looked up to him like a dad. I would never have taken a fishing class if it wasn’t taught by my new friend Dick.”

She continued, “It doesn’t surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers. He had already saved so many lives with the gift of Camp Mystic.”

In addition to his work at the camp, Eastland was involved in various community activities. He served on the board of the Hunt Independent School District and was a former coach for both the West Kerr County Little League and the West Kerr County Little Dribblers, showing his dedication to nurturing young people extended well beyond the campgrounds.

On Sunday, Katharine Somerville, a counselor at Camp Mystic’s Cypress Lake location, reflected on Dick’s legacy in an emotional interview with Fox. “He was one of the most selfless men in the whole world,” she said. “He was an inspiration to so, so many. He was a father figure, a comforting force in the uncertainty of everything.”

She added, “He guided us in our faith and our activities, he always told us to make new friends and to share our love with everyone.”

The tragic loss of Dick Eastland, along with the dozens of others who perished in the floods, has cast a dark cloud over what was meant to be a celebratory holiday weekend. Yet amidst the sorrow, stories like Eastland’s offer a glimmer of hope—reminders of the power of selflessness, faith, and community.

As search and rescue teams continue their work and families hold onto hope for their missing loved ones, the legacy of Dick Eastland will live on in the lives of the countless young women he helped mold, the campers he fought to protect, and the community he faithfully served.

Rest in peace, Dick Eastland, and all those who lost their lives in the catastrophic floods of the Guadalupe River. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities affected by this tragic event. May their memories inspire compassion, courage, and resilience in us all.