Camp Mystic co-owner Richard “Dick” Eastland has been confirmed dead, attempting to heroically rescue some of his campers before they were swept away in the deadly Texas floodwaters.
Eastland, who had been involved with the private all-girls Christian camp since purchasing it in 1974 and served as its director, died trying to save his kids from the devastating flash flooding that ripped through the region on Friday, according to Texas Public Radio.
Eastland’s nephew confirmed his death via Facebook.
Eastland and his wife, Tweety, owned the camp. They were the third owners since the camp was first erected in 1926.
Tweety was found safe at the couple’s home, reports indicated.
Eastland taught fishing to the younger campers, and former participants described him as a caring, grandfatherly figure. The couple were revered by campers, and often seen teaching or roaming the camp grounds.
“Dick was the father figure to all of us while we were away from home at Camp Mystic for six weeks,” wrote former camper Paige Sumner. “He was the father of four amazing boys, but he had hundreds of girls each term who looked up to him like a dad.
“I would never have taken a fishing class if it wasn’t taught by my new friend Dick.”
Eastland previously survived a bout with brain cancer, according to the Kerrville Daily Times.
He also served on the Hunt Independent School District Board and was a former coach for the West Kerr County Little League and the West Kerr County Little Dribblers, the outlet reported.
At least 23 girls from the camp remain missing.
Officials announced the death toll from the floods had risen to 43 people, including at least four young campers who were swept away.
There were some 750 campers on site when the flooding started Friday.
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