In a moment that left both fans and the nation stunned and deeply moved, country music star and philanthropist Jelly Roll announced that he is donating all $5 million from his recent concert tour and sponsorship deals to support the families of the children who died or are still missing in the Camp Mystic flood tragedy.
Speaking through tears at an emotional press conference on July 5, 2025, Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) said:
“I can’t bear to hear this news. These babies were just trying to enjoy a summer camp. I’ve seen loss in my life, but this… this hit me right in the soul.”
His voice broke as he paused, visibly shaken, before continuing:
“This money won’t bring them back. But maybe it can help ease a little of the pain. Help bury the dead, help the survivors heal, help the families breathe.”
A Disaster That Shattered Hearts
On July 3, 2025, a devastating flash flood struck Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls aged 10–14 in Hunt, Kerr County, Texas. The flood was triggered by extreme rainfall, which caused the Guadalupe River to rise from 10 feet to 32 feet in a matter of hours.
Camp staff attempted to evacuate the girls to higher ground, but the only wooden bridge out of the area collapsed, cutting off the escape route. The fast-flowing waters (estimated at 15–20 mph) swept many children away before they could reach safety. Others were trapped in collapsing cabins, or pulled into the raging river.
Rescue crews have since recovered the bodies of numerous children, and continue to search for those still missing using sniffer dogs, divers, and ground-penetrating radar. The primary
causes of death have been identified as drowning and blunt-force trauma.
Jelly Roll Steps In — Quietly at First
Jelly Roll, who was on tour when he first heard of the tragedy, reportedly cancelled a private afterparty in Dallas and immediately reached out to local officials and churches to offer help. Initially, he made a quiet private donation, but after learning the scale of the disaster and the ages of the victims, he decided to go public — not for recognition, he said, but to encourage others to act.
“These were little girls. Bright, smiling, innocent. I’ve got a daughter. I kept thinking, ‘What if it was her?’ That thought wouldn’t let me sleep.”
He confirmed that his entire $5 million earnings from his recent “Second Chances” tour — including corporate sponsorships — will be redirected to cover funeral costs, trauma therapy, housing support for grieving families, and rebuilding efforts at the camp.
A Wave of Support Follows
Following Jelly Roll’s announcement, a wave of donations and support began pouring in. Within 12 hours, a GoFundMe page linked by Jelly Roll’s team had raised an additional $1.8 million from fans and celebrities. Country stars Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lainey Wilson shared the story and pledged support.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised Jelly Roll’s generosity, stating:
“In the midst of this terrible tragedy, Jelly Roll reminded us all what compassion looks like. His heart is bigger than any arena he’s ever played.”
President Donald Trump also released a message on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“What happened at Camp Mystic is every parent’s nightmare. Thank you, Jelly Roll, for stepping up when it matters most. America needs more men like you.”
Families React With Emotion
Families of the victims expressed overwhelming gratitude. One mother, whose 12-year-old daughter is still missing, sobbed as she spoke to reporters:
“We lost everything — our baby, our hope. Then I heard what Jelly Roll did… He doesn’t even know us, but he gave from his soul. That means something.”
At the gates of the camp, mourners have begun placing flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes. A banner reads: “You are not forgotten. We will rebuild.”
A Message Bigger Than Music
For Jelly Roll, known for turning his own troubled past into music that speaks of redemption, pain, and healing, this tragedy struck a chord beyond fame.
“I’ve sung about hurt and hope. This is real. These families are living the kind of heartbreak no one should ever face. If I’ve been given a voice, I want to use it for more than just music.”
As he left the press conference, he added quietly:
“Tell those families I love them. And I’m not done helping.”
In the face of unspeakable loss, Jelly Roll’s act of compassion became a light in the darkness — a reminder that even in tragedy, humanity still has a heart.
