CHICAGO, IL – National bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove has offered readers a first glimpse into the extraordinary reporting behind 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. The interview, now available online, provides an early look at the research that Hazelgrove conducted for the book, which reconstructs the catastrophic July 4, 2025 flood in the Texas Hill Country that claimed the lives of 146 people, including 27 young campers at Camp Mystic.
Drawing on months of on-the-ground research, Hazelgrove traveled the Guadalupe River with first responders, walked the flood zone, and interviewed survivors and rescuers. He also examined thousands of pages of investigative reports, emergency communications, and eyewitness accounts. The book aims to tell the complete story of the disaster, from the first weather alerts to the desperate rescues and the difficult questions that followed, rather than focusing on blame.
During the interview, Hazelgrove discussed several key elements of the book, including the minute-by-minute rise of the Guadalupe River before dawn, the final hours inside Camp Mystic as counselors and campers struggled to survive, and the extraordinary rescues by Coast Guard helicopter crews, first responders, neighbors, and ordinary Texans. He also delved into the search that continued long after the floodwaters receded, how one of America's worst freshwater disasters unfolded despite modern forecasting technology, and the legislative investigations, lawsuits, and lasting impact on Texas summer camps.
"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."
Hazelgrove, author of more than two dozen books, is known for narrative nonfiction that brings major historical events to life. His previous works include Capone's Vault, Henry Knox's Noble Train, and Evil on the Roof of the World. His books have been featured by The New York Times, USA Today, NPR, C-SPAN Book TV, and numerous national media outlets, and have received starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist, among other accolades.
The complete WCPT interview is now available online, offering listeners an early look at the research and reporting behind the book. The interview provides a deeper understanding of the disaster and the heroism that emerged, as well as the broader implications for disaster preparedness and response in the face of extreme weather events.
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of severe weather, the lessons from the Camp Mystic flood are more relevant than ever. The book's examination of how the disaster unfolded despite modern forecasting technology raises important questions about the limits of prediction and the need for robust emergency planning. The legislative investigations and lawsuits that followed highlight the ongoing efforts to hold institutions accountable and improve safety measures for summer camps and other vulnerable communities.
Hazelgrove's work combines investigative reporting with narrative storytelling to illuminate remarkable moments in American history. With The Camp Mystic Flood, he brings to light a tragedy that shook the Texas Hill Country and the nation, honoring the memory of those who lost their lives and celebrating the courage of those who risked everything to save others.
