Texas flood: Camp Mystic director's body found; Richard Eastland died saving camp girls

Richard ‘Dick’ Eastland, co-owner and director of the renowned Camp Mystic , has been confirmed dead in Hunt, western Kerr County, Texas after flash flood swept through the state.

Texas Public Radio reported that Eastland died while attempting to rescue campers caught in the floods. Eastland, 74, swept away in the surging waters as he tried to lead a group of young girls to safety on friday.

His death was confirmed by his nephew through a Facebook post.

Eastland had been associated with Camp Mystic since 1974, when he and his wife Tweety acquired the facility. The couple were only the third owners since the camp was founded in 1926.

Eastland was regarded as a fatherly figure who taught students fishing and was very caring.

Eastland had previously survived brain cancer and remained deeply involved in the community. He served on the Hunt Independent School District Board and had coached both the West Kerr County Little League and the West Kerr County Little Dribblers, according to the Kerrville Daily Times.

Texas flooding has claimed at least 43 lives across the state, including four young campers from Mystic. As rescue efforts continue, 23 campers remain unaccounted for.