HUNT, Texas — Camp Mystic Director Dick Eastland has been confirmed among the victims of the devastating flash flooding that struck Central Texas earlier this week. Eastland, a beloved and longstanding figure at the all-girls summer camp in Hunt, Texas, passed away amid catastrophic flooding that claimed the lives of at least 24 people and left dozens more missing.

He was widely respected for his enduring resilience, having overcome personal tragedy—including the loss of his son and grandson—and a successful battle with brain cancer. His leadership and commitment to Camp Mystic left an indelible mark on generations of campers and staff.

Among those also confirmed deceased are Janie Hunt and Renee Smajstrla, whose bodies were recovered after historic floodwaters swept away one of the cabins at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River.

The flooding followed more than 15 inches of rainfall in the area, causing the river to rise rapidly and inundate large portions of Kerr County.

Authorities report that between 23 and 25 individuals, most of them children, remain unaccounted for as of Friday night.

The affected cabin, known as “Bubble Inn,” was among several buildings impacted by the deluge, which occurred in the early morning hours.

Search and rescue efforts have been ongoing, with state and local agencies operating throughout the night.

During a press conference Friday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the severity of the disaster, declaring a state of emergency for multiple counties including Kerr, Gillespie, Comal, Llano, and Kendall. “This is a mass casualty event,” he stated, adding that “the response will continue nonstop until every person is accounted for.”

Infrared-equipped helicopters, operated by both state and federal teams, have been scanning the area throughout the night in hopes of locating survivors.

Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd confirmed that while most summer camps along the Guadalupe River had safely reunited children with families, Camp Mystic remains the only camp with unaccounted individuals as of Friday evening.

More than 200 people have already been rescued, with 167 of them airlifted by helicopter, according to Major General Thomas M. Suelzer. Additional helicopters and resources are being deployed to support evacuation, shelter, and tracking operations.

Governor Abbott reiterated that every available state asset would be dedicated to recovery efforts. “We’ll put in everything we have in the entire state,” he said. “No resource will be withheld.”

The camp, which has operated for nearly a century, had approximately 750 girls in attendance at the time of the disaster.

Camp officials have communicated directly with families of those unaccounted for and continue to coordinate with rescue agencies.

As search and rescue operations extend into the weekend, the community is calling for national prayer support. Loved ones, faith leaders, and camp alumni across the country are uniting in prayer for the missing, the deceased, and the families affected by this tragedy.