HOUSTON – 8-year-old Blakely McCrory, who tragically lost her life in the devastating Kerr County floods that swept through Camp Mystic on July 4th. Her mother, Lindsey McLeod McCrory, spoke with KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel about her daughter’s lasting legacy.
Lindsey said today is bittersweet, it was supposed to be Blakely’s first day of third grade. Blakely was described as a vibrant and confident child with a funny sense of humor who easily made friends. She was a third-generation camper at Camp Mystic. This summer was her first time at sleep away camp and was meant to be a memorable highlight for her.
Lindsey shared that the family had already faced heartbreaking losses earlier in the year, including the sudden death of her husband and the passing of her brother. “With these deaths in the family, it was going to be special for Blakely,” she said.
Lindsey was in Europe when she first heard about the flood. She recalled the shock of receiving a voicemail from Camp Mystic saying Blakely was missing. “I froze. I threw the phone on the table inside the boat,” she said.
Three days after the flood, search and rescue teams found Blakely. A green and white beaded necklace spelling out “Mystic” that Blakely wore at camp became a crucial identifier for rescuers. Lindsey now wears an extended version of the necklace to keep her daughter close.
While making funeral arrangements, Lindsey received letters Blakely had written from camp. Lindsey said their family was in the middle of a move and one letter, Blakely asked her mother not to give away her beloved Barbie Dreamhouse, a poignant reminder of the young girl’s spirit.
Lindsey wants everyone to know that despite her short life, Blakely was surrounded by love, strong in her faith, and lived fully.
Blakely was a student at Memorial Lutheran School. To honor her memory, the Blakely Memorial Fund has been established to support the school and its students.
Blakely’s story is a testament to the strength and love that endures even in the face of tragedy.