Camp Mystic Withdraws Reopening Application After Deadly July 4 Flood

A summer camp in Central Texas where 27 people died during a flood on July 4 of the previous year has withdrawn its application to reopen, as criminal and civil investigations continue. The decision follows a series of legal actions, legislative hearings, and findings by state authorities indicating deficiencies in the camp's emergency preparedness.

The Incident

On July 4, the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas, flooded after heavy rainfall. The river rose from 14 feet (4.2 meters) to 29.5 feet (9 meters) within 60 minutes.

The flooding killed 25 campers (most under 10 years old), two teenage counselors, and the camp's executive director, Richard Eastland, at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp. The broader flooding event in Kerr County resulted in at least 136 fatalities.

Findings on Emergency Preparedness

An investigation commissioned by the Texas Legislature and presented by Casey Garrett at a joint House and Senate hearing detailed the camp's lack of emergency planning.

• The camp did not provide counselors or campers with emergency training or drills for flood threats.
• No detailed written flood evacuation plan existed. A state inspector approved the camp's emergency plan two days before the flood; the plan consisted of a one-paragraph directive telling campers to stay in cabins unless told otherwise.
• The National Weather Service issued a flood warning, but the camp did not take timely action.
• Investigators stated that proper training and an earlier evacuation order likely would have saved lives.

Testimony on the Night of the Flood

Edward Eastland, son of the owner and director of the affected camp section, testified during a court hearing as part of a lawsuit by victims' families. His testimony included the following points:

• The camp had no detailed written flood evacuation plan.
• He did not see official warnings from the National Weather Service and Texas Division of Emergency Management issued on July 2 and 3.
• He stated staff were signed up for phone alert systems and used weather apps, which he believed were sufficient.
• He said staff did not hold a meeting about the alerts on July 3. He stated his father typically monitored weather conditions.
• He testified he went to bed around 11 p.m. on July 3 and did not receive a flash flood warning issued at 1:14 a.m. on July 4. He stated he slept through a CodeRED alert text sent at the same time.
• Richard Eastland called him shortly before 2 a.m. about moving equipment, but they did not evacuate cabins at that time. Edward Eastland said it was not reasonable to do so then as the water was not out of the river.
• The decision to evacuate cabins was made around 3 a.m. By that time, water levels were high and fast, creating rapids around cabins.
• He acknowledged staff did not use the campus loudspeaker system earlier in the storm.
• He stated, "We did not expect what was going to happen" and "I wish we never had camp that summer."

"We did not expect what was going to happen." — Edward Eastland

Regulatory Actions and Legal Proceedings

State Health Department Findings

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued an emergency plan deficiency letter to the camp after it submitted an application to reopen at a nearby location, Cypress Lake. The letter stated the camp must address several deficiencies before it could reopen, including:

• Lack of a floodplain location map showing camper cabin locations.
• Insufficient emergency preparedness coordinator designation.
• Inadequate fire evacuation and natural disaster plans.
• Insufficient emergency warning system.
• Unclear staff responsibilities and protocols during emergencies.
• Lack of clear coordination with local authorities and parent notification procedures.

Camp Withdraws Reopening Application

Camp Mystic announced that it has withdrawn its application for an operating license and will not reopen for the summer. In a statement, the camp said:

"No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July's tragedy."

Preservation of Evidence

A Texas judge issued a temporary injunction ordering Camp Mystic to preserve the cabins and structures where campers were housed during the flood. The injunction bars the camp from altering or remodeling any structure in the affected area and requires the old Guadalupe grounds to be sealed off. The ruling allows construction to proceed in areas outside of these designated grounds.

Lawsuits

• Families of 9 victims filed a lawsuit against the state, alleging failure to enforce evacuation plan requirements.
• A lawsuit filed by the Steward family seeks to prevent the camp from reopening and to halt construction, arguing that changes could destroy evidence.
• Multiple other wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against the camp's owners and affiliated entities.

Legislative Response

• The Texas Legislature passed measures requiring camps to evacuate upon flash flood warnings.
• Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called for regulators to deny the camp's operating license, stating that allowing it to resume operations before a full investigation would be premature.
• Families who lost children advocated for reforms, leading to new laws requiring camps to have emergency plans, warning systems, and evacuation procedures.

Investigations

Multiple criminal and civil inquiries remain active:

• The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating complaints against the camp owners.
• The Texas Rangers are assisting in looking into allegations of neglect.
• A written report from the legislative investigation is expected later this year.

Statements from Officials and Families

"The fate of those girls was set before any first drop of rain ever fell." — Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock)

"It is so clear they are incapable of keeping children safe." — Cici Steward, mother of a missing victim

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged DSHS to not renew the camp's license.

Will Steward, father of a victim, expressed that preserving evidence is the objective to ensure future campers are not placed in similar situations.

Matthew Childress, father of victim Chloe, stated commitment to remembrance and accountability.

Brad Beckworth, attorney for the Steward family, said to Edward Eastland during testimony:

"You were warned."