In a recent interview on WCPT 820 Chicago, national bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove offered listeners a first glimpse into the extensive research behind his forthcoming book, The Camp Mystic Flood: A Story of Tragedy and Heroism, set for release by Bloomsbury on July 8, 2027. The interview, conducted by host Richard Chew, delved into the catastrophic July 4, 2025 flood in the Texas Hill Country that claimed 146 lives, including 27 young campers at Camp Mystic.
Hazelgrove, known for his narrative nonfiction, emphasized that the book is not about assigning blame but rather about telling the complete story of the disaster. "This is not a book about assigning blame," he 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." The author spent months on the ground in Texas, traveling the Guadalupe River with first responders, walking the flood zone, and interviewing survivors and rescuers. He also examined thousands of pages of investigative reports, emergency communications, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the events minute by minute.
The book explores the river's rapid rise before dawn, the final hours inside Camp Mystic as counselors and campers struggled to survive, and the extraordinary rescues by Coast Guard helicopter crews and ordinary Texans. It also addresses the search that continued long after the waters receded and raises critical questions about how such a disaster could occur despite modern forecasting technology. Hazelgrove examines the legislative investigations, lawsuits, and lasting impact on Texas summer camps.
Hazelgrove's previous works, including Capone's Vault and Henry Knox's Noble Train, have been praised for bringing historical events to life. His books have been featured by The New York Times, USA Today, NPR, and C-SPAN Book TV, among others. The complete WCPT interview is now available online, offering an early look at the research and reporting behind the book.
The Camp Mystic flood is one of America's worst freshwater disasters, and Hazelgrove's meticulous reporting sheds light on the heroism and tragedy of that morning. As the publication date approaches, the book promises to be a definitive account of the event, providing a comprehensive narrative that honors the victims and celebrates the rescuers.
