Fathers Honor Faith and Legacy of Camp Mystic Flood Victims

Fathers Ryan Dewitt, Wade Lytal, and Cole Naylor recently joined host Kayleigh McEnany to honor the memory and faith of their daughters who perished during the 2021 Camp Mystic flash flood. They discussed their podcast, ‘Heaven Meets Earth,’ sharing how their spiritual beliefs offer comfort during this challenging time. The fathers reflected on their daughters’ diaries and their deep belief in faith.

Faith and Comfort

DeWitt, Lytal, and Naylor revealed how their daughters’ strong faith helps their families cope. Ryan DeWitt and Wade Lytal spoke of journals left behind by their daughters, filled with Bible verses, prayers, and messages to their Creator. Ryan DeWitt described his nine-year-old daughter Molly’s profound but quiet faith.

“We knew that she was deeply rooted in her faith, but she felt very deeply,” Ryan DeWitt said. “It’s comforting to know how close she was to God.”

The fathers also talked about moments that revealed their daughters’ faith. DeWitt shared that Molly kept notebooks filled with hand-drawn crosses and Bible verses. One page quoted, “I can do anything through Christ.”

Discovering Faith’s Depth

Wade Lytal found a journal entry in his daughter Kellyanne’s drawer, which stated, “Jesus I love you. Thank you for dying on the cross for all of our sins.”

“That’s the most important responsibility we have as parents, making sure our children learn to love the Lord,” said Lytal.

After the flood, Lytal said that he no longer believes in coincidences. He viewed finding her journal as a special gift during a challenging time.

“We saw what she wrote, and it brought comfort during a very dark moment,” Lytal said.

Fathers’ Unyielding Faith

Alli Naylor, who lost her daughter Wynne in the flood, attended a hearing to prevent Camp Mystic’s reopening and halt construction amidst ongoing litigation. Despite grief, Cole Naylor emphasized prayer’s critical role in their lives. He insists on discussing his daughter in the present tense, confident in a future reunion.

“Our girls are very much alive in heaven. We will see them again,” Naylor stated.

Camp Mystic decided not to reopen for the 2026 season. They respected grieving families’ voices and concerns expressed by the Texas House and Senate investigating committees. The decision reflects the camp’s acknowledgment of those voices and removes doubt about their commitment to healing.