Controversy Surrounds Camp Mystic's License Renewal Amidst Flood Tragedy

Fri Apr 17 2026 19:51:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As Camp Mystic seeks to reopen after a devastating flood claimed the lives of 27, legal hearings reveal lapses in required reporting and raise concerns among victim families.

The medical officer of Camp Mystic testified that she failed to report the deaths of 27 girls to state regulators following a deadly flood last year, which has complicated the camp's application to reopen. Legal battles have ensued, as families demand that the camp preserve evidence and halt its reopening under current management. The situation remains tense as investigations continue into the camp's handling of the disaster.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — During a recent court hearing, the medical officer for Camp Mystic revealed that the tragic floods which claimed 27 lives last summer have still not been officially reported to the state health agency. This revelation comes as the camp's leadership is embroiled in legal disputes with victim families seeking to ensure accountability and evidence preservation. Mary Liz Eastland has faced scrutiny regarding the decisions made during the unprecedented disaster.

Testifying in a hearing prompted by lawsuits from families of the deceased, Eastland was challenged about her failure to report the deaths to health regulators within the mandated 24-hour period. Though Camp Mystic had applied to reopen for the upcoming summer with plans to host nearly 900 girls, the administrative oversight has raised serious concerns among the families of victims.

“I did not think of this requirement in the moments happening after the flood,” stated Eastland, as she struggled to recollect when she first learned of the fatalities. The flood, which occurred on July 4, resulted in the deaths of 25 campers and two teenage counselors, a tragedy that shocked the community and has prompted multiple investigations.

State agencies are currently looking into numerous complaints against the camp and examining its safety protocols. With the camp’s reopening application pending, the Texas Department of State Health Services indicated that findings from their forthcoming inspections would be critical to the decision on renewing their license. There are growing calls from victim families, particularly from Cile Steward's family—the last camper still missing—demanding that the camp should not reopen under the Eastland family’s management.

During the hearing, Eastland's husband Edward, also faced intense questioning regarding delayed evacuation actions during the flood. He depicted harrowing attempts to save campers, which painted a picture of chaos as families frantically sought higher ground. Attorney Mikal Watts described him as a genuine hero amid a tragedy that unfolded like an unprecedented tsunami.

As the camp navigates its troubled past while seeking to reopen, both the families affected by the disaster and state officials continue to seek accountability, leaving the future of Camp Mystic uncertain.