Judge Orders Preservation of Camp Mystic Flood Site Amid Lawsuits and Regulatory Scrutiny

Texas Judge Orders Camp Mystic to Preserve Flood-Damaged Structures After Deadly Incident

A Texas judge has issued an injunction requiring Camp Mystic to preserve flood-damaged structures at its Guadalupe River location. This judicial action follows a tragic July 4 flood that resulted in the deaths of 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp's owner. The ruling prohibits alterations to specific areas of the camp while allowing construction on unaffected grounds.

This judicial action is part of ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny following the incident, which includes multiple lawsuits alleging negligence against the camp and state officials, as well as a request from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to delay the camp's license renewal.

July 4 Flood Incident

On July 4, rapidly rising floodwaters from the Guadalupe River surged through a low-lying section of Camp Mystic, a summer camp established in 1926 in Kerr County, Texas. The river's level dramatically increased from 14 feet to 29.5 feet within just 60 minutes.

The incident resulted in the deaths of 25 girls, two teenage counselors, and Camp Mystic owner Richard Eastland, bringing the total fatalities at the camp to 28. This event contributed to a broader regional flooding catastrophe that claimed at least 136 lives. According to reports, the camp did not evacuate as the floodwaters approached.

Legal Actions Against Camp Mystic

Families of the victims have filed multiple lawsuits against Camp Mystic, its affiliated entities, and its owners, including the estate of Richard Eastland.

A lawsuit filed in a state court in Austin alleges negligence, seeking damages exceeding $1 million. Specific claims against Camp Mystic include:

• Failure to implement necessary safety measures as floodwaters approached.
• Directing a groundskeeper to evacuate equipment for over an hour.
• Instructing campers and counselors in cabins near the Guadalupe River to remain in their cabins.
• Lacking adequate plans for safe evacuation, despite state regulations, with a stated policy to keep individuals in cabins.
• Choosing to house girls in flood-prone cabins, despite known risks, to avoid relocation costs.

The family of 8-year-old camper Cile Steward, whose body has not been recovered, filed a separate lawsuit. They sought a temporary injunction to prevent the camp from reopening and to halt construction, arguing that changes could destroy evidence relevant to their case.

Mikal Watts, an attorney for Camp Mystic, stated in court proceedings that no prior flood of such magnitude had been observed, and that attempting to evacuate numerous 8-year-olds on a bus might have resulted in more drownings. Camp attorneys expressed sympathy for the families and maintained that little could have been done during the unforeseen flooding.

Edward Eastland, son of the late owner and director of the Guadalupe camp at the time, testified that security cameras were not monitored live when the flooding began and that he was unaware of a detailed flood plan beyond a one-paragraph slide.

Judicial Order on Site Preservation

State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble issued a temporary injunction in response to requests from the family of Cile Steward:

• The order prohibits Camp Mystic from altering or demolishing any structure where campers were housed during the July 4 incident.
• It mandates that the "old Guadalupe grounds," which include the commissary, rec hall, and main office, be sealed off.
• Construction is permitted to proceed in areas outside these designated grounds.

The ruling is intended to preserve evidence while the Stewards' lawsuit against the camp owners is pending. Will Steward, Cile's father, stated the decision was important for understanding the events and preventing similar situations for future campers. Mikal Watts, Camp Mystic's attorney, stated that the camp had offered to preserve evidence at the Guadalupe River site and expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision.

Regulatory and Legislative Scrutiny

The incident has prompted increased regulatory and legislative attention across Texas.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to delay the renewal of Camp Mystic's operating license for the upcoming summer. Patrick's request cites the need for a full investigation before the camp resumes operations. He indicated that special legislative committees would convene to gather further information and anticipated that the camp might need to implement changes for safety.

State Representative Wes Virdell, whose district includes Camp Mystic, publicly challenged Patrick's letter, suggesting that a recent bill increasing camp safety requirements was intended to close Camp Mystic. Virdell characterized Patrick's letter as another attempt by "strong political influencers" to achieve that outcome and expressed concerns about the fairness of an investigation given the Lieutenant Governor's prominent position.

Families of nine victims have filed a federal lawsuit against Commissioner Jennifer Shuford and other DSHS officials. The lawsuit alleges that the state failed to enforce state law by licensing the camp without verifying the presence of an evacuation plan. It asserts that young campers and counselors died due to the absence of such a plan, attributing responsibility to both the camp and state officials.

A DSHS spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Timothy Stevenson, DSHS deputy commissioner for the Consumer Protection Division, previously testified that the agency confirmed the existence of emergency plans but did not ensure they included specific evacuation details. Families' attorneys argue this approach violated state law and DSHS's duty to protect children. DSHS inspector Maricela Zamarripa reported the camp possessed a written disaster plan both a year prior to the flood and two days following it.

In the aftermath of the incident and parent testimonies to Texas lawmakers, new state laws were enacted last year. These laws mandate specific evacuation destinations, posted evacuation routes within cabins, and illuminated routes at night. DSHS is also planning an increase in camp licensing fees.

Camp Mystic's Reopening Plans

Camp Mystic announced in December its intention to reopen its Cypress Lake property, describing it as separate from the Guadalupe River area affected by the flood. The camp stated it has implemented enhanced safety measures, including flood monitoring units. Watts reported that 853 campers had signed up for the Cypress Lake location, which he stated complies with all new state camp safety laws and was undamaged by the July 4 flood. The camp's current license is valid until March 6, with a renewal application deadline of March 31.