Who was Richard Dick Eastland? The Camp Mystic director dies trying to save girls in Texas floods

As Central Texas reels from catastrophic flash flooding that has left at least 52 people dead, including 15 children, heartbreaking stories of courage have emerged. Among them is the confirmed death of Richard “Dick” Eastland, the longtime director and co-owner of Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls’ camp in Kerr County.

Eastland died heroically on Friday while trying to rescue campers from rapidly rising floodwaters that swept through the area following a sudden surge in the Guadalupe River.

Eastland, who had run the camp with his wife Tweety since purchasing it in 1974, was widely known as a paternal figure among generations of campers.


His nephew confirmed his death in a public Facebook post, and tributes have since poured in, remembering him not just as a leader but as the heart of Camp Mystic.

The tragedy in Texas was followed by floodwaters that overwhelmed the Guadalupe River and devastated summer camps and nearby communities.

In Kerr County alone, 28 adults and 15 children have perished, and dozens remain missing amid ongoing search-and-rescue operations.

Who is Richard Dick Eastland?

Richard “Dick” Eastland, co-director and co-owner of Camp Mystic, passed away on July 4, 2025, after bravely attempting to save campers from the flash floods that devastated the Guadalupe River in Central Texas.

His nephew confirmed his death on Facebook, noting Eastland died while rescuing girls from the Bubble Inn cabin, and his body was found near his vehicle alongside several victims.

Born a lifelong Texan, Eastland and his wife Tweety, both alumni of the University of Texas at Austin, purchased Camp Mystic in 1974, becoming the third generation to manage the historic all-girls Christian camp founded in 1926.

As executive directors, they oversaw operations for over 50 years, during which Eastland became affectionately known by generations of campers as “the father figure to all of us.”

He also overcame a battle with brain cancer, exhibiting resilience that inspired many.

Under his guidance, Camp Mystic flourished as a place of spiritual growth, confidence-building, and lifelong friendships.

Campers remember him for teaching fishing, delivering chapel talks, and offering heartfelt counsel, themes central to the camp’s “be more kind” ethos.