Skyler Derrington, Camp Mystic Survivor, Shares Her Story and Song in Emotional Moment with Lauren Daigle
In a heartwarming moment that captured the resilience and faith of a young survivor, 13-year-old Skyler Derrington, who endured the tragic Camp Mystic flooding in Texas, was surprised by her musical idol, country star Lauren Daigle, during a live appearance on Fox & Friends today, July 29. The moment, filled with tears, hugs, and shared faith, highlighted Skyler’s inspiring journey from tragedy to hope, resonating with viewers nationwide.
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Skyler, a longtime camper at Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas, survived the devastating flash floods that struck on July 4, 2025. The Guadalupe River, swollen by 10 to 12 inches of torrential rain, surged 22 to 29 feet in under two hours, claiming 27 campers and counselors, and leaving the camp in ruins. Skyler, who had attended the camp since childhood, channeled her grief and gratitude into a powerful rewrite of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” titled “Mystic Hallelujah.” Her heartfelt lyrics, such as “Now I heard there was a giant flood / But we were washed in Jesus’ blood / On July the 4th, 2025, the water rose and we went adrift,” reflect her faith and the strength of the Camp Mystic community.
During her Fox & Friends appearance, Skyler performed her moving rendition of “Hallelujah,” a tribute to the lives lost and the courage of survivors. Unbeknownst to her, the show had planned a surprise. Skyler, an aspiring Christian singer, had shared that Lauren Daigle, known for hits like “You Say,” was her musical hero. As she finished her performance, Daigle walked onto the set, leaving Skyler in tears of disbelief and joy. The two shared a warm embrace, with Daigle praising Skyler’s talent and resilience. “Your faith and your voice are such a light,” Daigle told her, encouraging her to keep singing and inspiring others.
The surprise was a dream come true for Skyler, whose emotional performance and story of survival had already touched thousands. Her song, shared widely online, has become an anthem of hope, with lyrics like “Your prayers and hugs and love overwhelmed us” resonating with families, first responders, and fellow survivors. The Fox & Friends moment, broadcast to a national audience, amplified Skyler’s message of faith and healing, with hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Steve Doocy, and Lawrence Jones celebrating her courage.
Skyler’s story is a testament to the power of music and faith in overcoming unimaginable loss. The Camp Mystic tragedy, which claimed over 130 lives across Texas, including 27 from the camp, has left a profound mark on the community. Yet, through her song and her encounter with Daigle, Skyler has shown that even in the darkest moments, hope and love can shine through. As one commenter on social media noted, her voice carries the spirit of “every girl who didn’t come home—and the one who will carry them forward.”
This moment on Fox & Friends not only fulfilled a young girl’s dream but also reminded viewers of the strength found in community, faith, and the courage to sing through the storm. Skyler Derrington’s “Mystic Hallelujah” and her surprise meeting with Lauren Daigle will continue to inspire, proving that even after tragedy, His Name – Jesus – is to be praised.
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