Camp Mystic Withdraws License Application Amid Ongoing Flood Investigations and Family Lawsuits

On July 4, 2025, torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to surge, flooding Camp Mystic, a Texas Christian girls’ camp north of San Antonio. The flash flood killed 27 campers and counselors and contributed to over 130 deaths.

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State lawmakers created joint House and Senate committees to investigate the July 2025 flood. The committees visited Camp Mystic and will hold hearings on April 27-28, 2026. Families have filed a wrongful-death suit alleging negligence and demanding preservation of the site, while DSHS and the Texas Rangers continue criminal and civil investigations.

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• July 4, 2025: Flash flood kills 27 at Camp Mystic.

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• Late 2025: Owners announce partial reopening for summer 2026.

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• April 27-28, 2026: Legislative committees hold hearings.

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• April 30, 2026: Camp Mystic withdraws its 2026 license application.

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The flood caused 27 deaths at Camp Mystic, including 8-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward, still missing. Overall, the July 2025 event claimed more than 130 lives. Investigators cite the Eastland family’s lack of a flash-flood evacuation plan, drills, and counselor training.

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Gov. Greg Abbott said the state’s hearts are with the families. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged regulators to withhold any license until transparency and corrective actions are verified. Camp Mystic’s statement stressed respect for grieving families and accountability. DSHS confirmed it is working with the Texas Rangers and will release findings promptly.

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Victims’ families have sued the camp for negligence, demanding the site stay untouched for evidence and opposing any commercial use. A family spokesperson called the withdrawal “welcome news… the first step of many.” Matthew Childress, whose daughter Chloe died as a counselor, said no decision can erase the loss but praised the step toward remembrance and accountability.

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Investigations by DSHS and the Texas Rangers remain ongoing, with no public determination of liability or specific safety violations. The precise cause of the flash-flood surge and the adequacy of the camp’s emergency protocols have not yet been conclusively established.

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• “No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July’s tragedy,” — Camp Mystic, Statement

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• “Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and those recovering from last year’s devastating Fourth of July floods,” — Gov. Greg Abbott

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• “deserve transparency and clear answers before DSHS issues a seal of approval.” — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

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• “We never imagined a world without our daughters, and no decision made now can change that,” — Matthew Childress, Father of deceased counselor

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The legislative committees will continue hearings, and DSHS with the Texas Rangers will finalize investigative reports. Ongoing civil litigation may shape future regulatory actions, and the state licensing board will reassess Camp Mystic’s application after investigations close.

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