As the tragic anniversary of the Texas floods approaches, Lindsey McLeod McCrory is committed to preserving the memory of her eight-year-old daughter, Blakely, who tragically lost her life last year at Camp Mystic. Lindsey firmly believes that Blakely is now with her late husband, Blake McCrory, who passed away from cancer just months prior—offering her a sense of solace amidst the heartache.
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Reflecting on the profound loss, Lindsey shared, “Every day is a struggle.” She has joined forces with other bereaved families in advocating for enhanced safety regulations for camps, driven by the desire to prevent future tragedies. Blakely was among over two dozen children and staff members who perished during the devastating floods that struck Texas on the Fourth of July in 2025. The group of deceased campers has since been lovingly referred to as “Heaven’s 27” by those left behind, with the surviving families unified in their mission to honour their legacies and ensure such an incident does not recur.
The catastrophic event claimed more than 130 lives, but it was the loss of so many young lives at Camp Mystic that turned the camp into a poignant symbol of the disaster. This month, the century-old camp, now shuttered for the summer, filed for bankruptcy while a state investigation confirmed it had inadequate disaster preparedness measures in place. Lindsey describes the camp’s plan to reopen this summer as “not appropriate”, especially since one camper, eight-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward, is still missing.
On the day of the floods, Lindsey was on holiday with her sister in Europe when reports emerged about missing campers at the camp she had attended as a child. Upon her return to the United States, she learned the devastating news of Blakely’s death. “I felt comforted by everyone who loves me, and just by my faith,” she recounted, stating how those around her helped during that harrowing time. In the wake of the tragedy, Lindsey received touching letters from her daughter, filled with the joy Blakely had experienced at camp, offering a bittersweet testament to her daughter’s “happy” spirit.
Since that bleak day, Lindsey has returned to work and faced the challenge of moving forward while holding onto the memory of Blakely. “Just living and carrying out Blakely’s life and her memory, that’s what motivates me,” she said. The loss has impacted her family deeply, as they continue to grieve the death of both Blake and Lindsey’s brother Chanse within a short timeframe, creating significant emotional turmoil for Lindsey and her stepson, Brady.
In a bid to honour Blakely, the family gathered to celebrate what would have been her first “heavenly birthday” in April. Similarly, Lindsey has found solidarity and companionship among the other families who lost daughters in the same tragedy. “We hold each other up,” she explained, emphasising the vital support network they’ve developed amidst their shared grief.
In their commitment to preserving the memories of the lost girls, these families have collectively established the Heaven’s 27 Foundation, which aims to drive charitable initiatives in honour of the campers. Their advocacy efforts have led to the implementation of new camp safety legislation, spurred on in part by the “Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act,” introduced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott last September.
Locally, Lindsey and her community have also mobilised support in Blakely’s name, including the installation of a memorial pavilion and a butterfly climber in parks, enhancing spaces for children to gather and play. Scholarships have also been established to assist underprivileged children in attending camps, with the intention of uplifting the community that Lindsey holds dear.
Through these charitable efforts and memorials, Lindsey aims to ensure that Blakely’s legacy continues to shine brightly. She frequently shares videos of her daughter’s joyful moments on social media, capturing the spirit of a child cherished by many. Lindsey reflects on her memories fondly, often voicing her regret about not capturing more photographs during their time together. Despite the pain of loss, her commitment to keeping Blakely’s spirit alive inspires those around her.
As the anniversary of the flood looms, Lindsey’s heart remains heavy with loss, yet it is filled with determination. Her unwavering devotion to Blakely’s memory fuels her advocacy work, ensuring that her daughter’s happiness lives on even after such unimaginable tragedy.