Richard Eastland, cherished co-owner and longtime director of Camp Mystic, has been tragically confirmed deceased, a victim of the catastrophic Kerr County, Texas flooding that recently struck the region. In an act of unwavering courage and selflessness, he gave his life while attempting to rescue the young campers he had spent decades nurturing, guiding, and protecting.
Who was Richard Eastland
Eyewitnesses recount the harrowing scene—Mr. Richard Eastland was waist-deep in the raging, debris-filled current, holding tightly to the hands of frightened children, pulling them from danger one by one. With each life he helped save, he risked his own safety. But the floodwaters were merciless—too fast, too powerful. In a single, devastating moment, he was wrenched from the grip of those he was rescuing, swept beneath the churning waters as he reached for yet another child. His final actions were marked by courage, devotion, and self-sacrifice.
He did not hesitate. He did not retreat. Richard Eastland chose to stay behind when others might have fled. He fought against impossible odds, driven not by duty alone, but by deep love and an unshakable commitment to the children in his care. His final moments were a testament to the life he lived—one centered on service, protection, and unwavering love.
The loss of Mr. Richard “Dick” Eastland is not merely the passing of a camp director. It is the loss of a mentor, a guardian, and a father figure to countless young lives. His absence will be deeply felt by generations of campers, staff, and families whose lives he touched over the years. The grief felt across the Camp Mystic community is immeasurable. His legacy, however, will endure—in the stories shared around campfires, the traditions upheld in his memory, and the courage he demonstrated until his final breath.
At this time, the Eastland family has not yet shared any details regarding funeral arrangements. Out of respect for their profound grief, the public is kindly asked to allow the family the privacy they need during this incredibly difficult period. Let us honor his memory not only through words, but by embodying the spirit of compassion, bravery, and selflessness that defined his life.