Families of Flood Victims Sue Camp Mystic Over Negligence in Deadly Incident

Families of Flood Victims Sue Camp Mystic Over Negligence in Deadly Incident

Families of six girls who tragically lost their lives during a flooding incident at Camp Mystic have filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that camp leaders ignored numerous warnings about the impending danger and delayed evacuations, leaving the youngest campers stranded in low-lying cabins close to the turbulent Guadalupe River.

Filed in Travis County District Court, the lawsuit claims negligence and gross negligence on the part of camp officials. The allegations include failing to implement and follow flood evacuation protocols, neglecting to relocate children to safer, higher ground as flooding began, providing inadequate training and communication to staff, and allowing children’s cabins to remain in flood-prone areas despite being aware of the associated risks.

According to the lawsuit, weather forecasters had raised alarms as early as July 3, issuing a Flood Watch and Flood Advisories through the National Weather Service. Despite these warnings, the camp did not take the necessary preventative actions that could have spared lives.

On the night of July 4, the lawsuit states that instead of waking the campers to ensure their safety, Camp Mystic leaders chose to meet with grounds staff to secure equipment. This decision raised alarms regarding priorities at the camp amid the rising floodwaters.

At 2 a.m. on July 4, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office documented its first emergency call reporting hazardous conditions. Just ten minutes later, counselors noted that cabins were taking on water and instructed to have campers shelter in place. The complaint alleges counselors were prohibited from using phones, radios, or walkie-talkies to communicate.

While some counselors began evacuating the girls toward higher ground around 3 a.m., more accounts highlighted that an organized evacuation came as late as 3:11 a.m. Furthermore, timestamped photographs from 3:26 a.m. showed campers still able to walk towards safety as water levels continued to rise across the campgrounds.

By 3:44 a.m., reports indicated that doors were breaking open as floodwaters rushed into the cabins. Apple Watch data from camp leaders showed submersion at 3:51 a.m. and 4:09 a.m. Incredibly, an emergency call was logged at 3:59 a.m., indicating the escalating crisis.

The families further contend that the youngest campers were housed in Bubble Inn and Twins I & Twins II—areas near the river—while options for relocation included a hillside only 20 yards from Bubble Inn and a two-story commissary nearby. Survivors, particularly staff members residing above the commissary, were able to escape the flooding.

Additionally, the lawsuit highlights an