Eastland’s children are also integral to Camp Mystic’s operations: Richard Eastland, their eldest son, serves as head chef and runs the dining hall; Edward Eastland, the young

Eastland, 70, was the camp director and bought the camp in 1974. When floodwaters swept through his Christen summer camp, he tried to save the lives of his young campers and gave his life in the process, Fox News reported. Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) wrote of Eastland’s devotion to the camp.

Rescue operations are ongoing in Central Texas after flash flooding along the Guadalupe River left 23 girls from Camp Mystic unaccounted for. Officials say dozens have died as catastrophic floods continue to ravage the Hill Country.