William Elliott Hazelgrove Discusses Upcoming Book on the Camp Mystic Flood in Chicago Interview

The book centers around the devastating flood that struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 146 individuals, including 27 campers from Camp Mystic. Rather than focusing on culpability, Hazelgrove aims to narrate the full sequence of events, including the initial weather alerts, emergency rescues, acts of bravery, and the subsequent inquiries that arose.

During his interview, Hazelgrove shared details about his research efforts, which included traveling the Guadalupe River with first responders, conducting interviews with survivors and rescuers, and reviewing a wealth of documents, including investigative reports and eyewitness accounts.

Key stories featured in the book include:

The rapid increase of the Guadalupe River in the early hours before dawn.

The final struggles for survival within Camp Mystic as counselors and campers faced the flood.

Remarkable rescues undertaken by Coast Guard helicopter crews, first responders, and local residents.

The ongoing search operations that took place after the floodwaters had receded.

Insights into how this disaster, one of the most severe freshwater tragedies in the U.S., occurred despite advanced forecasting technology.

The legislative repercussions, lawsuits, and ongoing consequences for Texas summer camps.

"This is not a book about assigning blame," Hazelgrove stated. "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 is the author of more than two dozen books, recognized for his ability to blend investigative journalism with narrative fiction. His previous titles include Capone's Vault, Henry Knox's Noble Train, and Evil on the Roof of the World.

The full interview on WCPT is available online, offering listeners a glimpse into the research and storytelling behind Hazelgrove's latest work.

About the Author

William Elliott Hazelgrove is a national bestselling author whose works have appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, NPR, and other major outlets. He combines investigative research with narrative techniques to highlight key moments in American history. His upcoming book, The Camp Mystic Flood, follows his extensive publication record, which includes ten novels and fourteen nonfiction titles. His contributions have garnered various accolades, including starred reviews from notable publications and features in leading media outlets. Hazelgrove was also the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence, where he wrote in the birthplace of the renowned author.