Full Breakdown
Texas Health Officials Flag Camp Mystic Emergency-Plan Deficiencies
4/26/2026, 2:51:28 AM
Flood Tragedy & Licensing Review
On July 4, 2025 a flash flood on the Guadalupe River swept through Camp Mystic’s river-front site, killing 25 girls, two counselors and owner Richard “Dick” Eastland. In April 2026 the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued an 11-page deficiency notice, warning that camp’s license to reopen Cypress Lake site could be denied unless emergency plan is corrected within 45 days.
Stakeholders & Deficiencies
Stakeholders include Camp Mystic, DSHS, camp leaders Edward Eastland and medical officer Cecilia “Cile” Steward, victims' families, Texas Rangers and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. DSHS listed 22 deficiencies: missing floodplain map, no emergency-preparedness coordinator, unclear staff roles for the warning system, incomplete fire-evacuation and disability-accommodation procedures, and absent 911-coordination. The emergency plan is confidential under state law.
Official Responses & Opposition
DSHS spokesperson Lara Anton called the notice “part of the licensing application review process” and noted most of the 174 camps that submitted plans received similar letters. Camp Mystic’s attorney said the organization is “carefully reviewing the notice” and will work with DSHS, emphasizing camper safety. Families have sued the state for failing to enforce evacuation-plan rules and the camp for alleged negligence. Lt. Gov. Patrick has urged license denial pending investigations.
Conflicting Data
Sources differ on the death toll: some list 27 fatalities (25 girls and two counselors), others list 28 including the owner. Medical officer Cecilia Steward testified she did not file the required 24-hour death report, breaching Texas administrative code.
Upcoming Actions
Camp Mystic must file a revised emergency plan by June. Texas Rangers continue their investigation, and hearings on the July 2025 flood are scheduled. Camp expects to host over 800 campers. Licensing decision will determine whether the camp can operate for its centennial season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our campers, and we hope to continue the nearly century-long mission and ministry of Camp Mystic to provide a Christian camping experience for girls that allows them to grow physically, mentally and spiritually,” — Camp Mystic spokesperson
- “The plan should include clearly defined procedures for assisting individuals with access and functional needs, such as assigning specific staff to provide assistance, establishing a buddy system, ensuring accessible evacuation routes, accommodating assistive devices, addressing transportation needs, and ensuring emergency warnings are accessible,” — Texas Department of State Health Services (letter)
- “Edward Eastland testified that he had not seen the official weather warnings before the storm, did not convene a staff meeting about the potential flooding and acknowledged that the camp did not have a detailed written flood evacuation plan.” — Edward Eastland, camp director
- “ The body of camper Cile Steward has still not been recovered.” — Texas Rangers
- “This is part of the licensing application review process, and most youth camps have received a notice of deficiency letter for their emergency plan due to the statutory changes and increased emergency plan requirements,” — Lara Anton, DSHS spokesperson
