LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A band that started in Lubbock is using music to honor the 27 lives lost in the Camp Mystic tragedy.
Blackwater Draw recently released a tribute song after Blackwater member, Cami Caldwell says she was deeply affected by photos of the missing girls.
“The first thing I saw were the pictures of the 27 missing girls from Camp Mystic…and I was stopped in my tracks by one face,” Caldwell said.
That face was 8-year-old Eloise Peck. Caldwell said she felt an immediate connection because Eloise reminded her of her own niece.
“I felt so attached to her. I started imagining what I would do if my niece was missing, how desperate I’d be to find her,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell said the loss became personal and ultimately inspired the lyrics to “Dear Eloise.”
Members of Blackwater Draw and Media Juice Studios filmed the music video along the Guadalupe River, an emotional setting for everyone involved.
“Being on the river and in the water, singing those lyrics was so hard. All of us had heavy hearts that day,” band member Tiffy Nelson said. “But it was also powerful, knowing this could keep those girls remembered.”
Media Juice Studios founder Jeremy Sneed helped bring the project to life.
“This song is really just a heartfelt tribute,” Sneed said. “It warms my heart to know I played any small part in that.”
Sneed said one word guided the shoot: remember.
“Hearing that word ‘remember’ it’s a reminder that the families will always remember, and we can’t forget,” Sneed said.
Caldwell said Eloise became the symbol for all the children lost so families could see their own daughters reflected in the tribute.
“Eloise represents every one of those Camp Mystic girls,” Caldwell said. “We hope they see their own little girls in Eloise… and we hope they know our hearts are with every single person who was lost in that flood.”
In the music video, Caldwell’s niece plays “Eloise,” a creative choice Caldwell said helped keep the tribute personal while honoring the child at the center of the song.
Blackwater Draw also sent the finished song to Eloise’s parents. Caldwell said they told her it arrived on one of their hardest days.
“They said it was divinely timed,” Caldwell said. “There were lyrics in that song that we couldn’t have known that would hold so much significance to them.”
Caldwell said Eloise’s mother, Missy, shared a message that stayed with her.
“Her mama, Missy, said she believes Eloise was watching it and dancing in heaven right when she was watching it,” Caldwell said.
Donations will support Living for Lulu
Blackwater Draw says the tribute is also meant to help.
All streams and purchases of the song will be donated to Living for Lulu, a foundation supporting the causes Eloise loved most, including helping people and dogs.
You can donate or learn more at www.livingforlulu.com
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