Story perspectives

Texas Camp Flood Kills 27, Lack of Training Blamed

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

A flood on July 4 2025 at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas killed 27 campers, counselors and operator Dick Eastland.
Investigators found counselors had no emergency training, the camp lacked a flood-evacuation plan, and cabins were staffed only by first-year counselors.
State legislators called the deaths preventable, blamed a culture of obedience, and said the Texas Rangers and health officials are reviewing the camp’s license as it plans reopening in May.

History

Historical Context

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, killing 1,392 people and inflicting $125 billion in damage; FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Army Corps of Engineers faced criticism for inadequate planning and levee failures. The 2025 Camp Mystic flood, where counselors lacked evacuation training, revived those criticisms and spurred Texas legislators and the Rangers to tighten camp-licensing standards.

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Story summary

A flood on July 4 2025 at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas killed 27 campers, counselors and operator Dick Eastland.
Investigators found counselors had no emergency training, the camp lacked a flood-evacuation plan, and cabins were staffed only by first-year counselors.
State legislators called the deaths preventable, blamed a culture of obedience, and said the Texas Rangers and health officials are reviewing the camp’s license as it plans reopening in May.

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