Families accuse Camp Mystic of ignoring risks in Texas lawsuit over flood deaths - WTOP News

Families of the victims who tragically died at Camp Mystic in Texas have filed a lawsuit accusing the camp operators of ignoring critical safety risks that led to the deaths of 25 girls and two teenage counselors during catastrophic flooding on July 4. The lawsuit, filed in Austin state court, alleges that the camp failed to take the necessary precautions as floodwaters rapidly approached the property. It demands more than $1 million in damages, although no exact figure has been specified. Among the allegations is that a groundskeeper was told to spend over an hour moving equipment out of harm’s way, while campers and counselors in cabins nearest to the Guadalupe River were ordered to remain inside despite the rising floodwaters. The families claim the camp prioritized profit over safety by keeping cabins in flood-prone zones to avoid the cost of relocating them. Additionally, the lawsuit states the camp did not have an evacuation plan in accordance with state regulations and had a policy requiring campers and counselors to stay put. Named in the suit are Camp Mystic, related entities, and the owners, including the estate of Richard Eastland, the camp’s owner who also perished in the flood, as well as his family members. Another lawsuit with similar claims was filed by the family of Eloise Peck, another camper who lost her life in the disaster. Both cases were filed in Travis County. In the aftermath, attempts to reach Camp Mystic’s attorney for comment went unanswered. The flooding struck before dawn on Independence Day when the river's level surged from 14 feet to almost 30 feet in just an hour, overwhelming the camp located in a low-lying area. Despite tracking weather conditions, it remains unclear if the camp’s leadership saw the urgent warnings issued by the National Weather Service that triggered emergency alerts in the region. Ryan DeWitt, whose daughter Molly was among those who died, expressed hope that the lawsuit will bring clarity and justice, aiming to prevent future tragedies through safety reforms. The heartbreaking losses and parents' testimonies have already pushed Texas lawmakers to pass new regulations designed to avert similar disasters. The century-old camp, established in 1926, now faces renewed outrage as it plans to reopen next summer despite the lingering grief and legal challenges. Overall, the tragedy at Camp Mystic underscores the devastating consequences of neglecting emergency preparedness and safety measures in flood-prone areas. The families seek accountability and systemic changes to ensure no other children or counselors suffer such a fate.