Blake McCrory Obituary: 8 Year Old Camper Dies in July 4 Floods
Blakely McCrory Obituary: 8-Year-Old Camper Dies in July 4 Kerr County Floods
Kerr County, Texas — The devastating July 4 floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country have claimed the life of Blakely McCrory, an 8-year-old girl from a family with deep generational ties to the region. Blakely was one of 27 young campers at Camp Mystic, a private all-girls Christian summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River, who lost their lives in the tragic flooding that engulfed Kerr County.
A Century-Long Legacy Cut Short
Blakely’s family has been part of the Texas Hill Country’s summer camp tradition for nearly a century. Her great-grandfather, E. Douglas McLeod of Galveston, even met his wife at a Camp Mystic dance decades ago. Blakely was following in those cherished footsteps, excited to embrace her family’s beloved tradition.
“She wanted to follow in the footsteps of all of us,” McLeod said, remembering the vibrant and “precocious, sweet little girl” who brought joy to everyone around her.
Blakely had only been at the camp for five days before tragedy struck. Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to flood in the early morning hours of July 4, sweeping through the campgrounds and claiming dozens of lives.
A Family Struck by Unimaginable Loss
The tragedy follows an already heartbreaking series of losses for the McCrory family. Just two months prior, Blakely’s father, Blake McCrory, died of a heart attack. In early June, her uncle, Chanse Lane McLeod, a respected Houston attorney, also passed away after a long illness.
Despite this profound grief, Blakely’s mother, Lindsey McCrory, shared words of love and remembrance:
“While we hoped for a miracle, it has been confirmed that Blakely’s life was lost on the Guadalupe that early morning, along with so many others. And, while we find some comfort in the knowledge that Blakely is happy, safe, and secure in the arms of Jesus, we are beyond shattered and will miss her with every breath we take for the rest of our lives.”
Honoring a Bright, Beautiful Life
Though her time on Earth was brief, Blakely’s impact was profound.
“Eight years on this earth is far too short a stay. Still, we know that Blakely was light and life, and she brightened the day of everyone fortunate enough to cross her path,” said her mother. “Our little corner of the world is a better and brighter place because Blakely was here.”
Her family members, including her older brother, joined the search effort in Kerrville. First responders continued their tireless efforts for days, and the McCrory family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and kindness from the community.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the many other families who have suffered unimaginable loss and trauma in this tragic event,” McCrory added. “May we all find strength in each other.”
A Heartbreaking Toll on the Hill Country
As of Tuesday, at least 109 people have been confirmed dead across the region due to the Hill Country floods. Kerr County alone reported 87 deaths, including 30 children. The July 4 storm will be remembered as one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the area in decades.
Final Farewell
Funeral arrangements for Blakely McCrory will be announced by the family in the coming days. As they navigate unimaginable grief, they remain committed to celebrating the beautiful, radiant life of a little girl who loved deeply and lived joyfully.
Rest in peace, Blakely McCrory. You are forever in our hearts.
