Richard “Dick” Eastland, co-owner of Camp Mystic, has been confirmed dead after a heroic attempt to rescue campers from the deadly floodwaters that struck Texas.
Eastland, who had led the private Christian camp for girls since purchasing it in 1974, lost his life while trying to protect the children during a powerful flash flood that swept through the area on Friday, according to Texas Public Radio.
His death was confirmed by his nephew in a Facebook post.
Dick Eastland lost his life while attempting to rescue several girls at his camp.
Eastland and his wife, Tweety, were the third owners of Camp Mystic since its founding in 1926.
Reports indicated that Tweety was found safe at the couple’s home.
Known for teaching fishing to the younger campers, Eastland was remembered by former attendees as a warm, grandfatherly presence. Both he and Tweety were beloved by generations of campers, often seen guiding activities or walking the campgrounds together.
“Dick was a father figure to all of us during our six weeks away from home at Camp Mystic,” wrote former camper Paige Sumner. “He was the father of four incredible sons, but each term, hundreds of girls looked up to him as if he were their own dad.
“I would never have signed up for a fishing class if it hadn’t been taught by my new friend, Dick,” she added.
According to the Kerrville Daily Times, Eastland had previously survived brain cancer.
Eastland and his wife, Tweety, purchased Camp Mystic in 1974.
According to the outlet, Eastland also served on the Hunt Independent School District Board and previously coached both the West Kerr County Little League and the Little Dribblers youth basketball program.
As of now, at least 23 girls from the camp are still unaccounted for.
Authorities have reported that the flood’s death toll has climbed to 43, with at least four young campers among the victims swept away by the rising waters.
At the time the flooding began on Friday, around 750 campers were present at the site.
