Richard ‘Dick’ Eastland, Camp Mystic’s 74-year-old owner, died while leading campers to safety during the devastating floods

Environment·floodingRichard ‘Dick’ Eastland, Camp Mystic’s 74-year-old owner, died while leading campers to safety during the devastating floodsBY Dave SmithBY Fortune IntelligenceBY Dave SmithEditor, U

NewsDave SmithEditor, U

NewsDave Smith is a writer and editor who previously has been published in Insider, Newsweek, ABC News, and USA TODAY

SEE FULL BIOBY Fortune IntelligenceFortune IntelligenceFortune Intelligence uses generative AI to help with an initial draft, thereby bringing you news faster while maintaining our high standards of accuracy and quality

These stories are edited by Fortune's senior editors to verify the accuracy of the information before publishing

The volunteer found the belongings along the Guadalupe River near Ingram, Texas. "I hope I find the person to return their belongings, not to find closure," he said

Danielle Villasana for The Washington Post—Getty ImagesRichard “Dick” Eastland, the owner and director of Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, died while helping campers get to safety during the devastating floods that impacted the area last week

Eastland, who was the third generation from his family to manage the camp, was 74

Richard “Dick” Eastland, the owner and director of Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, died during the flash floods that struck Central Texas on Friday, his nephew confirmed on Facebook

Eastland’s wife Tweety was found safe at, officials said

Dick Eastland was known for his involvement in the West Kerr County community, serving on the Hunt Independent School District Board and coaching youth sports, particularly the West Kerr County Little League and the West Kerr County Little Dribblers

Eastland also notably survived brain cancer

According to statements from camp officials and survivors, Eastland was last seen leading a group of girls from a cabin trying to get them to safety

His body was later found near his vehicle

On July 4, severe flooding in Texas Hill Country caused the Guadalupe River to rise more than 25 feet in less than an hour, which caught many campers and staff off guard

Officials say 27 campers and counselors died at Camp Mystic, including young girls from various states

As of July 7, at least 10 campers and one counselor remain missing

Statewide, the death toll from the floods has reached at least 95, with 75 people reported dead in Kerr County

The Texas National Guard and local authorities have deployed helicopters, boats, and drones to locate survivors and recover the missing

Survivors described scenes of confusion as staff worked to move campers to higher ground. “We went to bed thinking it was just a normal thunderstorm,” Callie McAlary, a 16-year-old camper, told Fox News. “One minute you see lightning strike next to your cabin, and next to you, you hear water’s coming up. ” Camp officials and survivors credited Eastland and the staff with helping s during the disaster

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has since visited Camp Mystic, declaring a state of emergency and pledging continued support for and rescue operations. “I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday—for the s lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines,” Abbott said in a statement

Camp Mystic, on its website, says it is “deeply grateful for the outpouring of support” and asks for “respect and privacy” as it charts a new path forward

Explore this year's list.