The night of July 4th descended into unimaginable horror for seven families, their daughters lost in a catastrophic flood at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. Alongside the girls, two dedicated camp counselors perished, swept away by the raging Guadalupe River. Now, those families are seeking justice, alleging a devastating pattern of negligence and a callous disregard for safety in a newly filed lawsuit.
The 75-page petition paints a chilling picture of a camp prioritizing profit over the lives entrusted to its care. Camp Mystic and its owners, it claims, knowingly housed young girls in areas vulnerable to flooding, deliberately avoiding the expense of relocating cabins to safer ground. This wasn’t a matter of unforeseen circumstances, but a calculated risk with devastating consequences.
Despite clear warnings – from the National Weather Service, concerned staff, and even the camp’s own history – an evacuation was tragically delayed. Counselors, witnessing the rising waters, pleaded to move the girls, only to be ordered to “stay put,” adhering to a plan that would ultimately prove fatal. The lawsuit details a timeline of escalating danger and missed opportunities.
At 1:14 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a “life-threatening flash flood” warning. Yet, camp leaders Richard and Edward Eastland allegedly focused on securing equipment, not the safety of the children. As the waters rose, counselors reported cabins flooding, but the order remained: stay inside. The decision would seal the fate of thirteen young lives.
The most harrowing moments unfolded between 3:35 and 3:51 a.m. Richard Eastland’s SUV was swept away while attempting a rescue at Bubble Inn, taking with it all thirteen campers and two counselors inside. Simultaneously, eleven girls in Twins Cabin were told to remain, falsely assured the water would recede – a promise that never materialized.
The lawsuit argues that a swift evacuation, achievable within 60 seconds, could have saved every girl. Instead, a written camp policy ironically stated that campers on Senior Hill should remain in their cabins during a flood, claiming the structures were built on “safe, high locations” – a claim now fiercely disputed.
Adding to the families’ grief, the lawsuit alleges a disturbing pattern of deception following the tragedy. For hours after the floodwaters subsided, families were told their daughters were merely “unaccounted for,” a cruel delay in delivering the devastating truth. The camp’s subsequent announcement of reopening for the following summer, while one girl remained missing, further fueled their anguish.
The families are now seeking over $1 million in damages, encompassing wrongful death, exemplary damages, and the profound emotional distress inflicted by Camp Mystic’s alleged negligence. They are demanding a jury trial, determined to uncover the full truth and hold those responsible accountable for this heartbreaking loss.
The history of Camp Mystic, as revealed in the filing, includes a chilling 1990 interview with then-director Richard Eastland, who predicted future drownings, stating, “People don’t heed the warnings.” This foreshadowing, coupled with the events of July 4th, casts a dark shadow over the camp’s legacy and raises critical questions about its commitment to safety.
