Full Breakdown
Legal Battle Over Camp Mystic's Reopening After Deadly Flood
4/18/2026, 10:15:07 PM
Court Order to Preserve Evidence
A Texas state district judge has mandated that Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp where 27 individuals perished during a catastrophic flood on July 4, 2025, must not alter or demolish any structures affected by the floodwaters. This order was issued at the request of the Steward family, whose daughter, Cecilia "Cile" Steward, remains missing. The Stewards, along with other families, are suing the camp for alleged negligence, arguing that the preservation of evidence is crucial as the camp prepares to welcome over 800 campers back this summer.
Allegations of Negligence
During a recent court hearing, testimonies revealed significant lapses in the camp's emergency preparedness. Edward Eastland, a camp director, admitted that there was no written evacuation plan in place, which is a requirement by state regulations. He claimed to have received weather alerts but failed to act on them, stating, "I was in the tree," indicating he was preoccupied with other tasks. His wife, Mary Liz Eastland, who served as the camp's chief medical officer, acknowledged that she did not assist campers during the flood, responding affirmatively when asked if she "abandoned" Cile.
Testimonies Highlight Communication Failures
The hearing featured testimonies from various camp directors, including Glenn Juenke, a security guard who noted that an early evacuation order could have saved lives. Juenke described how he independently moved some campers to higher ground but criticized the lack of a coordinated evacuation effort from camp leadership. He stated, "We did everything we could do in the time that we had," yet acknowledged that the camp's communication systems failed to relay critical weather information to campers and staff.
Families Demand Accountability
The families of the victims, particularly the Stewards, are adamant that the camp's leadership failed to take adequate precautions. They argue that the camp's plans to reopen are premature and that the camp's negligence contributed to the tragedy. CiCi Steward, Cile's mother, expressed her concerns, stating, "This is the same director of Camp Mystic that is asking 850 students to come join him in six weeks." The Stewards are pushing for the camp's license to be denied until all investigations are complete.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications
The Texas Rangers are currently investigating allegations of neglect against Camp Mystic, and the camp's application for a license renewal is under scrutiny. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has urged the Texas Department of State Health Services to delay any approval until investigations are finalized. The outcome of this legal battle will not only determine the future of Camp Mystic but also set a precedent for safety regulations in summer camps across Texas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wish we never had camp that summer.” — Edward Eastland, Camp Director
- “Our children have been ripped away from us, ripped apart. Stolen from us,” — CiCi Steward, Mother of Cile Steward
- “You can blame it on Mother Nature or God Almighty, but if anyone had used the speakers or walkie talkie and told them to leave before 3 (a.m.), they would’ve survived,” — Brad Beckworth, Attorney for the Steward family
- “Those little girls were heroes,” — Glenn Juenke, Camp Security Officer
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the fate of Camp Mystic remains uncertain as families seek justice for their lost loved ones.
