"Deadly Texas Floods Hit Close to Home for Co-Host Morgan Chesky" – Here's the Scoop Summary

Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: NBC News – Yasmin Dasugian

1. Overview of the Texas Flood Disaster

In this poignant episode of "Here's the Scoop," NBC News dedicates the entire show to the catastrophic floods that devastated Kerr County, Texas. Yasmin Dasugian introduces the severity of the situation, highlighting the unexpected deluge where "four months' worth of rain fell in just a couple of hours" (00:19). The Guadalupe River, a central feature of the community, "surged and tore through homes and businesses, even a girls' summer camp," resulting in at least 88 fatalities and numerous missing persons (00:19).

2. Personal Connection: Morgan Chesky’s Hometown Tragedy

The flood strikes a deeply personal chord for co-host Morgan Chesky, as it unfolds in his hometown. Yasmin emphasizes the dual impact: "it is such an incredible loss of life, especially of kids in Texas," and the tragedy's proximity to Morgan's personal life—his childhood experiences camping by the river and his mother's residence just 50 feet away (00:19).

3. Emotional Testimony from Morgan's Mother

Morgan’s mother shares her heartfelt experience, conveying the emotional turmoil of witnessing a disaster that hits home. At [01:31], she remarks:

"When one [disaster] hits home, it feels like the first tragedy you've ever experienced. I think I'm processing everything like so many other people."

Her narrative paints a vivid picture of the suddenness and brutality of the flood. She recounts receiving multiple urgent text messages about the flood, leading to a frantic day spent ensuring her family's safety and grappling with the grim reality of missing loved ones (02:13).

4. The Community’s Deep Roots and the Impact of the Flood

Morgan’s mother elaborates on the community’s close-knit nature and the historical context of flooding in the area. She nostalgically describes the Guadalupe River as an integral part of Kerrville's identity:

"People flock to the hill country so they can get on the Guadalupe River. You float it, you camp along it... It's almost kind of like living near a volcano. It can be beautiful at times... until it's not."

Despite flash floods being a known hazard, the magnitude of the recent event eclipses past experiences, including the significant 1987 flood that claimed ten lives (04:48).

5. Firsthand Account of the Flood’s Aftermath

Morgan’s mother provides a vivid recount of her journey to the affected areas. At [05:12], she describes encountering a kayak "wrapped around a branch" of a cypress tree, symbolizing the overpowering force of the floodwaters. This haunting image underscores the devastating power of the surge that transformed the once-idyllic river into a destructive force (05:12).

6. Stories of Lives Lost: A Community Mourns

The episode delves into the heartbreaking loss of community members, illustrating the profound personal connections within Kerrville. Morgan’s mother shares specific stories:

• Rene Maestrala: A young girl and daughter of a high school classmate, whose death profoundly affects those who knew her (07:28).

• Jane Ragsdale: A beloved camp director at Heart of the Hills camp, whose last moments involved warning others about the rising waters. Her brother, Jeeper Ragsdale, emphasizes her dedication:

  "She made it to the couch and then sent him a text message that said, essentially, the river's coming down. Look out. And that was the last he heard from her." (07:28)

• Dick Eastland: The owner of Camp Mystic, renowned for his unwavering commitment to the campers. His grandson poignantly reflects on his legacy:

  "If his granddad wasn't going to die of natural causes, it would only be trying to save the lives of the girls he looked after like family." (08:30)

7. The Unfolding of the Flood: A Timeline of Destruction

Morgan Chesky narrates the sequence of events leading to the disaster. At [13:13], he describes how initial weather alerts progressed to alarming floodwaters rising from one foot to approximately twenty-five feet within half an hour:

"It came up. It must have been about 25ft up." (13:51)

Amidst the chaos, glimpses of dread—such as a car floating with all lights on—signaled the severity of the situation, compelling Morgan and his family to evacuate to safety (14:09).

8. Aftermath and Community Rebuilding

In the wake of the flood, Morgan reflects on the extensive damage witnessed upon returning home. The landscape was unrecognizable, with uprooted trees and widespread debris (15:13). He underscores the community's resilience:

"We're a resilient bunch and I think people will rebuild... Hopefully, there will be a greater understanding of the need to respect the power of that river." (18:11)

Despite the tragedy, there is a collective determination to heal and restore the beloved river that is central to Kerrville’s identity (17:25).

9. Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Support

Yasmin Dasugian concludes the episode by expressing gratitude for Morgan and his family’s brave coverage of such a personal and tragic event. She extends heartfelt sympathies to the affected community and emphasizes the enduring strength of those impacted (18:38).

"Our hearts are with you right now in dealing with this tragedy. Please continue to stay safe out there." (18:38)

Key Takeaways

• Human Impact: The flood's devastation is magnified by its direct impact on Morgan Chesky’s family and the tight-knit community of Kerrville.

• Resilience and Rebuilding: Despite the immense loss, there is hope and determination within the community to rebuild and honor the memory of those lost.

• Respecting Nature's Power: The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive potential of natural disasters, urging a deeper respect and cautious interaction with nature.

This episode of "Here's the Scoop" not only informs listeners about the tragic events in Kerr County but also offers a deeply personal and emotional perspective, highlighting the human stories behind the headlines.