Families of 25 girls and two teenage counselors who died in a devastating flood at Camp Mystic in Texas have filed a lawsuit, claiming that the camp operators failed to take necessary safety precautions as life-threatening floodwaters approached. The tragic incident occurred on July 4, and according to the lawsuit, it seeks more than $1 million in damages but does not specify an exact amount.
The camp, which has been established for over a century, is facing renewed scrutiny as the victims’ families express outrage over plans to reopen the facility next summer. The lawsuit accuses the camp's operators of prioritizing financial gain over safety, claiming that campers were housed in flood-prone cabins and evacuation plans were not properly established.
Notably, even as floodwaters surged, campers were reportedly ordered to remain in their cabins while staff evacuated equipment. The lawsuit states, These young girls died because a for-profit camp put profit over safety. It points to serious negligence on the part of camp management for failing to adhere to state regulations requiring safety measures during emergencies.
In a separate lawsuit filed by another family, terms and demands regarding camp safety are under significant scrutiny as both legal actions unfold. The camp’s failure to evacuate led to profound loss and calls for accountability are growing within both legal and legislative arenas.
During the tragic event, floodwaters rose rapidly, killing a total of 136 individuals across the affected region. Questions remain if the camp facilities had monitored urgent weather alerts adequately, especially given the severe conditions that had escalated without appropriate response actions.
Ryan DeWitt, whose daughter was among the victims, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the lawsuit is a vital step toward understanding the event and pushing for safety reforms.
The outcomes of these legal actions may influence future regulations on camp safety and emergency preparedness in Texas.
