Fathers of Camp Mystic Flood Victims Keep Their Daughters’ Legacies Alive

Fathers of the young victims from the tragic 2021 Camp Mystic flash flood have come together to honor their daughters’ legacies. Ryan DeWitt, Wade Lytal, and Cole Naylor discussed their experiences with host Kayleigh McEnany, sharing the profound faith their daughters possessed and how it continues to sustain their families.

During their appearance on Saturday in America, the fathers highlighted how personal faith has provided comfort after the devastating event. DeWitt, Lytal, and Naylor have found solace in their daughters’ writings and their steadfast belief in God. They reflected on diaries filled with Bible verses and prayers that offer insight into their daughters’ spiritual lives.

Ryan DeWitt shared how his daughter’s writings reveal her deep connection to her faith. Molly, who was nine at the time of her passing, kept notebooks with hand-drawn crosses and verses, including a poignant message: “I can do anything through Christ.” These personal reflections have become a wellspring of comfort for DeWitt and his family.

Wade Lytal recounted an emotional discovery from his daughter Kellyanne’s room, where a journal entry read, “Jesus, I love you. Thank you for dying on the cross for all of our sins.” This revelation impressed upon Lytal the critical role parents play in nurturing their children’s spiritual growth.

For Cole Naylor, the depth of his daughter’s faith has reinforced his family’s reliance on daily prayer. He emphasized that Wynne remains a deeply alive presence in their lives as they hold firm in the belief of a heavenly reunion.

“Our girls are very much alive,” Naylor stated. “They are more alive than any one of us are. Alive in heaven, we don’t get to see them, we don’t get to touch them, we don’t get to kiss them anymore, but they’re with us, and we will see them again.”

Following months of reflection, Camp Mystic officials decided not to reopen in 2026. The camp’s leadership released a statement underscoring their commitment to honoring the concerns of grieving families and halting all administrative processes to show respect for those affected.

This decision to postpone the camp’s reopening aligns with calls for caution from families, Texas state government members, and concerned citizens. Respecting these voices, Camp Mystic acknowledges the depth of the tragedy and the ongoing need for healing in Hunt, Texas, where the flash flood’s impact was felt most profoundly.

Madison Colombo, a reporter for Fox News Digital, continues to cover this and other breaking news, drawing from her extensive experience in journalism to shed light on the story.