Key facts
- A Texas judge ordered Camp Mystic leaders to preserve flood-damaged buildings and land.
- The order is related to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of an 8-year-old camper.
- Camp leaders did not warn campers about rising floodwaters or weather warnings.
- The Eastland family, owners of Camp Mystic, plans to reopen the camp at a new location.
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recommended denying the camp a license.
- Parents of victims and survivors have urged state regulators to reconsider the camp's license renewal.
A Texas judge has ordered leaders of Camp Mystic to preserve flood-damaged buildings and land as a wrongful death lawsuit proceeds. The Christian girls camp experienced a catastrophic flood on July 4, resulting in the deaths of 27 campers and counselors.
Travis County District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble issued an injunction maintaining that camp leaders must keep the affected areas untouched. This decision follows three days of testimony, including from the Eastland family, who own and operate Camp Mystic. The family acknowledged failing to warn campers about rising floodwaters and weather warnings before the cabins were overwhelmed.
The injunction is part of a lawsuit brought by the family of 8-year-old Cile Steward, whose body has not been recovered. The Steward family argues that the physical evidence at the site is critical to their case. The Eastland family has appealed the original injunction, but Wednesday's ruling prevents them from cleaning up the site. They have stated their intention to reopen the camp this summer at a different location on higher ground.
Separately, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recommended that state officials deny Camp Mystic a license while investigations continue. Parents of victims and survivors have echoed this sentiment, sending letters to state regulators urging them to reconsider renewing the camp's operating license. These letters allege that daughters were not properly evacuated and that parents were not informed of the extent of the disaster. The Texas Department of State Health Services has received over 600 complaints related to the camp's care during the past season and is investigating.