claimed over 90 lives and left many missing, including campers at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River. Among the devastation, 26-year-old Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan became a hero by helping to evacuate around 200 children and staff from the flooded area.
On July 5, 2025, Ruskan was left alone at the camp to assist, becoming the only first responder on-site. With floodwaters rising, terrified children turned to him for help. “They were scared, cold, and having the worst day of their lives,” he said in an interview with Good Morning America
Ruskan quickly set up two helicopter landing zones—one in an archery field, the other on a soccer field—and coordinated the evacuation. He personally helped people board the helicopters, using the elite training all Coast Guard rescue swimmers receive.
Though many lives were lost—27 campers and counselors have been confirmed dead so far—officials agree the toll would have been far higher without Ruskan’s leadership. He downplayed his heroism, calling the children the “real heroes” for their bravery during the disaster.
“They didn’t know my age or rank,” he said. “They just knew I was there to help—and I had to live up to that.”
