Families Sue Camp Mystic in Texas Over July 4 Flood Deaths
On July 4, 2025, a tragic flood at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including six campers and two counselors. The incident, caused by heavy rainfall along the Guadalupe River, has resulted in two lawsuits filed against the camp and its owners, the Eastland family. These lawsuits allege negligence and wrongful death, claiming that the camp management failed to inform parents about the risks of flooding.
Background of the Incident
The flooding at Camp Mystic was unprecedented, overwhelming previous records for floodwaters in the area. The disastrous event prompted families to take legal action, emphasizing that the camp was aware of past flooding incidents and should have had proper safety measures in place.
Lawsuits Filed
Families of the victims filed separate lawsuits in Travis County. The first lawsuit is brought by the family of 8-year-old Lulu Peck, who expressed in her journal a deep fear of thunderstorms and floods. It states that Lulu and her fellow campers entrusted their safety to Camp Mystic.
- Defendants in the lawsuit include Dick and Tweety Eastland, Camp Mystic, Mystic Camps Family Partnership, and Natural Fountains Properties.
- The second lawsuit names additional family members and seeks more than $1 million in damages under Texas’ Wrongful Death Act.
Claims of Negligence
The families argue that Camp Mystic had a “never evacuate” policy, which they believe unjustly endangered the campers. They assert that camp owners knew of the flooding risks but failed to take appropriate action. Moreover, they allege that attempts were made to change FEMA flood zone designations, which the lawsuits claim was an effort to ignore safety risks.
Impact of Previous Flooding
Camp Mystic has a history of flooding, with significant incidents leading to evacuations over several decades. Despite this, the plaintiffs claim that management did not implement adequate emergency plans or warning systems.
Tragic Details of the Event
The lawsuits recount the events of the flood, stating that the camp administration ordered campers to remain in place instead of evacuating to safer areas. Many fatalities occurred in the Bubble Inn and Twins cabins, which were just 300 feet from safety.
- The lawsuit reveals that 13 campers and two counselors in the Bubble Inn were lost to the flood.
- The Twins cabins also faced similar casualties, with 11 campers dead.
Response and Reactions
Camp Mystic has expressed condolences and announced intentions to counter the accusations vigorously. Legal representatives argue that the flood was unexpected and beyond the camp’s control. They intend to showcase the inadequacy of warning systems and detail the camp’s provision of safety measures.
Future of Camp Mystic
Navigating through grief, the families demand accountability from Camp Mystic and the Eastland family. Several parents have urged the camp to reconsider its plans to reopen, seeking a thorough investigation into the events that led to the devastating loss of life.
Conclusion
As Texas lawmakers plan investigations into the incident, the focus turns to enhancing safety regulations for summer camps. The tragic events at Camp Mystic have sparked discussions about the responsibility of camp management and the need for comprehensive emergency preparedness to protect campers in the future.
