Camp owner dies saving campers; region braces for more heavy rain
Tragedy at Summer Camp as Families Await News
The death toll from the catastrophic Texas floods has risen to 82, as rescue teams continue searching for at least ten children and one camp counselor still missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp struck by flash floods early Friday.
Four girls from the camp have been confirmed dead. Sisters Blair (13) and Brooke (11) were among the victims. Their father described Blair as an intelligent student with a generous heart, and Brooke as a bright, joyful soul.
“She was like light in any room—people just gravitated to her,” he said.
Massive Multi-Agency Rescue Underway
Kerr County authorities are leading large-scale operations with hundreds of personnel, helicopters, K9 units, and rescue boats deployed. Officials have recovered 68 bodies in Kerr County alone—40 adults and 28 children. Many remain unidentified.
“We are working tirelessly to reunite families and bring closure to those still waiting,” said the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.
“Wall of Water” May Be on the Way
The National Weather Service warned that an additional 2–4 inches of rain are expected in Central Texas, with some areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches. Already-saturated ground raises fears of further flash flooding.
Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd described the threat as a potential “wall of water,” saying even moderate rainfall could now be deadly.
Presidential Visit and Federal Response
President Donald Trump announced he would visit the affected areas “probably on Friday” and confirmed that he had issued a major disaster declaration.
“These families are enduring unimaginable tragedy. Many lives lost, many still missing,” the president posted on Truth Social.
 Fast Facts
đź“Ś Flood Death Toll (as of Sunday):
‣ 82 statewide
‣ 28 children
‣ 10 still missing
đź“Ś Most affected area:
‣ Guadalupe River region, Kerr County
đź“Ś Next major risk:
‣ Additional rain forecasted through Tuesday
Camp Owner Dies a Hero
Camp Mystic owner Dick Eastland lost his life attempting to rescue children during the flood. His grandson, George Eastland, posted a heartfelt tribute online:
“If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way—saving the girls he loved.”
Staff member Glenn Juenke called Eastland “a true hero to the very end.”
Dick Eastland, remembered for his bravery, died trying to rescue campers during the flood.
Communities Grieve and Search for Answers
In Williamson County, two additional deaths brought the total to at least 82 statewide. Local officials vowed to support grieving families and begin long-term recovery.
Meanwhile, Robert Brake and his brother continue searching for their parents, last heard from moments before floodwaters destroyed their RV in Kerr County.
“Every post, every prayer—it means something to us,” Brake said, tears in his eyes. “Hope is all we have left.”
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