“Mom, I’ll Always Be With You”—8-Year-Old Girl’s Heartbreaking Letter Found After Texas Camp Flood Tragedy
A Letter From Heaven: 8-Year-Old Blakely McCrory’s Final Message to Her Mom Arrives After Her Tragic Death in Camp Mystic Flooding
In a heartbreaking turn of fate, a mother in Texas received a final letter from her 8-year-old daughter just as rescue teams recovered her body—days after catastrophic flooding swept through Camp Mystic.
A Generational Legacy Washed Away in Moments
Blakely McCrory wasn’t just any camper—she was part of a multi-generational tradition at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country. Her mom, stepmom, sisters, and even her grandmother had all spent their childhoods at this cherished summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River. This summer was Blakely’s turn, and she was “ecstatic” to be there, according to her mom, Lindsey.
From fishing to basketball, swimming to horseback riding, Blakely threw herself into every moment like it was the best day of her life. It was the ultimate summer adventure—until July 4.
That’s when historic flash floods ripped through the area, raising the Guadalupe River over 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The camp, which housed over 750 children, quickly became the epicenter of one of the worst natural disasters in Texas history. Tragically, Blakely was among the 27 campers and staff who didn’t make it out.
A Mother’s Worst Fear Realized… and Then One Last Gift
Lindsey was in Europe attending a wedding when she heard about the flooding. She initially believed her daughter would be safe—just like during the flood she remembered from her own camp days in 1987. But soon, a voicemail came from Camp Mystic: Blakely was missing.
Frantically, Lindsey flew home to Texas, clinging to hope. Her son Brady—lovingly nicknamed “Bro-Bro” by Blakely—searched local shelters and evacuation centers. But by the evening of July 8, their worst fears were confirmed.
And then, the unexpected happened.
As the family reeled from the devastating news, a letter arrived in the mail. It was from Blakely.
“Dear Mom, How Are You? I Am Good.”
Written on cheerful camp stationery and mailed just before the flood, Blakely’s letter was short but soul-shattering. In it, she gushed about how “amazing” camp was, how much she loved tennis and horseback riding, and asked her mom how she was doing.
For Lindsey, it was more than just a letter. It was a sign. A final message from her little girl, delivered at the very moment her body was brought home. A small miracle wrapped in paper and love.
Loss Upon Loss—But Never Without Love
Blakely had already known grief. Just months earlier, in March, she lost her father, Blake, to a sudden heart attack at age 59. Days before her own death, she lost her uncle, Chanse Lane McLeod, to an autoimmune illness. Yet despite it all, she remained joyful, resilient, and full of life.
Her bright spirit showed in the way she comforted other campers during the flood, urging them to stay calm and be brave, according to one of her counselors.
“She was the kind of kid people wanted to be around,” said her mom. “Funny, fearless, and full of kindness.”
Honoring Her Memory With Faith and Strength
Now, Lindsey and Brady are walking a long road of healing. Surrounded by family, friends, and their faith, they hold tight to the memories Blakely left behind. Photos remain up, stories are still shared, and that final letter—so simple yet powerful—is treasured like scripture.
“I believe she’s with her daddy in heaven,” Lindsey said, her voice full of conviction. “She didn’t suffer. I think it was quick. And now she’s in a place filled with love.”
A Little Girl’s Big Legacy
Blakely’s life may have been short, but it was mighty. Her letter reminds the world that joy can live even in the darkest of times, and that love—pure, innocent, and fearless—never really dies.
She was a daughter, a sister, a prankster, a friend. And now, she’s a light that continues to shine far beyond the riverbanks of Camp Mystic.
