National bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove is shedding new light on one of America's worst freshwater disasters with the release of his forthcoming book, The Camp Mystic Flood: A Story of Tragedy and Heroism (Bloomsbury, July 8, 2027). During a recent interview on WCPT 820 Chicago with host Richard Chew, Hazelgrove shared unprecedented insights from his months of on-the-ground research in the Texas Hill Country, reconstructing the catastrophic July 4, 2025 flood that claimed 146 lives, including 27 young campers at Camp Mystic.
Rather than focusing on blame, Hazelgrove's narrative nonfiction tells the complete story, from the first weather alerts to the desperate rescues and the remarkable acts of courage that emerged. The book is a result of extensive investigation, including traveling the Guadalupe River with first responders, walking the flood zone, and interviewing survivors and rescuers. Hazelgrove also examined thousands of pages of investigative reports, emergency communications, and eyewitness accounts to piece together the minute-by-minute rise of the river before dawn and the final hours inside Camp Mystic as counselors and campers struggled to survive.
Among the stories explored are the extraordinary rescues by Coast Guard helicopter crews, first responders, neighbors, and ordinary Texans who risked everything to save others. The book also delves into the search that continued long after the floodwaters receded, and how such a tragedy could unfold despite modern forecasting technology. Hazelgrove addresses the legislative investigations, lawsuits, and lasting impact on Texas summer camps, providing a comprehensive account of the disaster and its aftermath.
"This is not a book about assigning blame," Hazelgrove said. "It is the story of what happened, why it happened, and the extraordinary courage shown by so many people in the darkest hours of that morning." This perspective is central to the book's approach, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the events and the human spirit's resilience.
Hazelgrove, known for his narrative nonfiction that brings major historical events to life, has authored more than two dozen books, including Capone's Vault, Henry Knox's Noble Train, and Evil on the Roof of the World. His previous works have been featured by The New York Times, USA Today, NPR, C-SPAN Book TV, and numerous national media outlets. His commitment to investigative reporting combined with compelling storytelling is evident in his latest project.
The complete WCPT interview is now available online, offering listeners an early look at the research and reporting behind the book. For those interested in the deeper story of the Camp Mystic flood, Hazelgrove's upcoming release promises to be a definitive account of the tragedy and the heroism that emerged from it.
