A lawsuit has been filed against the operators of Camp Mystic in Texas, alleging negligence in the deaths of 25 campers and two teenage counselors during a catastrophic flood on July 4. The legal action, initiated on Monday in a state court in Austin, seeks damages exceeding $1 million.
The lawsuit claims that Camp Mystic failed to implement necessary safety measures as floodwaters approached. Specific allegations include:
- A groundskeeper was reportedly directed to evacuate equipment for over an hour.
- Campers and counselors in cabins located near the Guadalupe River were instructed to remain in their cabins as floodwaters impacted the property.
- The camp allegedly lacked plans for safe evacuation, despite state regulations requiring such provisions. The policy, according to the suit, was to keep individuals in their cabins.
The complaint states that the camp chose to house girls in flood-prone cabins, despite known risks, to avoid relocation costs.
Parties Involved
The lawsuit was filed by the families of five campers and the two counselors who died. A separate lawsuit with similar allegations was filed by the family of Eloise Peck, another camper who died. Both lawsuits are lodged in Travis County.
Defendants named in the lawsuit include Camp Mystic, its affiliated entities, and its owners, which encompasses the estate of camp owner Richard Eastland, who also perished in the flood, and his family members.
Messages seeking comment from an attorney for Camp Mystic on Monday were not immediately returned.
Incident Details
The deaths occurred when rapidly rising floodwaters surged through a low-lying section of the summer camp during the early hours of July 4. The overall flooding event resulted in at least 136 fatalities. The camp, established in 1926, reportedly did not evacuate. The Guadalupe River rose from 14 feet (4.2 meters) to 29.5 feet (9 meters) within 60 minutes.
Ryan DeWitt, whose daughter Molly DeWitt was among the victims, issued a statement indicating the lawsuit represents a step toward finding peace for his family. DeWitt expressed hope that the process would clarify events and lead to safety reforms and prevention measures.
In the aftermath of the incident and subsequent testimonies from parents to Texas lawmakers, a series of new laws were enacted to prevent similar future tragedies.