Tragedy at Christian Camp Leaves Dozens Dead—Including 27 Young Girls, Counselors and Camp Director

A Legacy of Quiet Faith Endures in the Midst of Mourning

At around 4 A.M. on July 4, 2025, while most were fast asleep, a catastrophic flash flood tore through Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. The water rose over 26 feet in just 45 minutes. By the time it receded, at least 27 campers and counselors—most of them young girls—were dead, with others still unaccounted for. The horrifying tragedy has left the Hill Country community reeling, and the body of Christ grieving nationwide.

Among those presumed dead is longtime camp director Richard “Dick” Eastland, who, according to those closest to him, died trying to rescue the very girls he had spent a lifetime leading to Christ (Western Journal).

Eastland wasn’t a newcomer to ministry. Since 1974, he and his wife Tweety helped shepherd Camp Mystic through generations of campers, continuing a legacy that began in 1926. Over nearly a century, thousands of young women passed through the camp’s gates—many encountering the Gospel in a deeply personal way.

Former camper Paige Summers said, “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.”

His grandson, George Eastland, offered a tribute that captured both grief and gratitude:
“What I’ll take most from you is your positive attitude, servant heart, and ability to remain faithful in the toughest of times. Through battling cancer to the death of your son James, you showed me what a strong Christian man looks like.”

While Dick Eastland’s death was an act of courage, the deeper tragedy lies in the staggering loss of life—young girls with futures cut short, and families forever changed.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

We urge believers everywhere: pray for the missing girls. Pray for the parents awaiting word. Pray for every mother, father, and family member touched by this horror. And pray that through this unbearable sorrow, the light of Christ would not be extinguished—but magnified in the broken hearts left behind.

Amazon Best-Selling Author Pastor Greg Locke just launched his new book. Titled, The King Killers By PASTOR GREG LOCKE. When God places this prophetic sword in your hand, you will know—you were born to be a spiritual king killer. Grab your Book copy now on Amazon.com