Torrential rains pounded Central Texas on Friday, dropping more than 10 inches of rain and causing the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet, flooding Camp Mystic and nearby areas in Kerr County. By Saturday morning, it was confirmed that Dick Eastland, 70, had died. News of his death quickly spread across generations of Camp Mystic alumni.

Richard “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.

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.