In the heart of Texas, where the rolling hills and sparkling rivers meet, a devastating disaster struck on the 4th of July, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. The Guadalupe River, typically a serene and tranquil waterway, rose with alarming speed, increasing its height by over 20 feet in just 45 minutes. The resulting flash flood swept through the summer camps and small towns of the Texas Hill Country, about 70 miles west of San Antonio, bringing with it a torrent of water and debris that would leave no one unscathed.
One of the camps hardest hit by the flood was Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp that had been a staple of the community for years. The cabins on the grounds were swept away like toys, and the young girls who had been enjoying their summer vacation were tragically caught in the floodwaters. The camp’s longtime owner and director, Dick Eastland, gave his life in a heroic attempt to save the campers, a sacrifice that would not be forgotten.
As the days passed, the true extent of the devastation became clear. Nearly 60 lives were lost in Kerr County alone, with many more still missing. The community was left reeling, struggling to come to terms with the scale of the disaster. But even in the midst of such tragedy, the country music community sprang into action, rallying around those affected by the flood.
Artists like Koe Wetzel, Kacey Musgraves, and the Randy Rogers Band took to social media to offer their support, sharing messages of hope and condolences with those who had lost loved ones. But one Texas legend went above and beyond, using his platform to make a real difference. Robert Earl Keen, a singer-songwriter with a deep love for the Hill Country, was born and raised in Houston but now calls Kerrville home. With family ties to Camp Mystic, Keen was deeply affected by the tragedy and knew he had to act.
Taking to social media, Keen shared a heartfelt message, expressing his thoughts and prayers for those affected by the flood. He announced that he would be working on a benefit to support the community, with more details to follow soon. In the meantime, he urged his followers to support the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which had established the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to aid local response and recovery efforts.
But Keen didn’t stop there. He also pledged to donate 100% of the merchandise sales from his current tour to the community foundation, a generous gesture that would help raise vital funds for those in need. As the community continues to come to terms with the tragedy, Keen’s benefit is sure to bring people together, providing a much-needed injection of hope and support during a dark time.
Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones in the flood, and we will continue to keep the Texas Hill Country in our thoughts and prayers. As the community begins the long process of healing and rebuilding, it’s clear that the country music community will be there every step of the way, offering support, comfort, and a helping hand whenever it’s needed. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is just one way to make a difference, and we urge everyone to consider donating to this worthy cause. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this tragedy.
