In a devastating incident during the early hours of July 4, 2023, heavy flooding at Camp Mystic in central Texas resulted in the deaths of five campers and two counsellors. A lawsuit filed in Austin claims that camp leadership prioritized securing equipment over the safety of the campers, leading to tragic consequences.
The lawsuit, submitted by families of the victims, names Camp Mystic and members of the Eastland family, long-time owners of the camp, as defendants. According to the complaint, the camp’s top leaders, including executive director Dick Eastland and his son Edward Eastland, failed to act promptly following a critical warning from the National Weather Service about “life-threatening flash flooding” at 01:14 a.m.
Allegations of Negligence and Inaction
As floodwaters surged, the Eastlands reportedly spent over an hour focusing on securing camp equipment instead of initiating an evacuation or ensuring the safety of the campers. The families allege that early warnings from camp counsellors were dismissed, resulting in “a hopeless ‘rescue’ effort” that came too late to save lives.
Tragically, the flood claimed the lives of two counsellors and 25 young girls, many of whom were housed in two cabins designated for the youngest campers. Among the deceased was Dick Eastland, aged 70, highlighting the personal toll of this disaster.
Other camps along the nearby Guadalupe River successfully evacuated their campers, making Camp Mystic the only sleepaway camp where fatalities occurred during the flooding. The lawsuit contends, “These young girls died because a for-profit camp put profit over safety.”
A second lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the parents of Eloise Peck, aged 8, echoing similar claims of inadequate emergency planning. The family of the Eastlands has remained largely silent regarding their actions during the flood. Their attorney, Mikal Watts, did not respond to immediate requests for comments but previously described the evacuation process as “orderly” and mostly successful during a CNN interview in late October.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
The community has rallied around the affected families, expressing outrage at the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Many are calling for increased safety regulations at recreational camps to prevent future incidents. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has stated that it is monitoring the situation and conducting its own investigation.
This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the accountability of recreational facilities in maintaining safety standards, especially in adverse weather conditions. As investigations continue, the families of the victims seek justice and hope to shine a light on the need for improved emergency preparedness in similar settings.
The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months, with the potential for significant implications for camp safety regulations across the country.
