The director of Camp Mystic in Texas testified this week about the tragic flooding that resulted in the deaths of 27 campers and counselors in 2025. Edward Eastland, the camp director, told the court he did not see official warnings prior to the storm and admitted there were no emergency meetings held to discuss the impending danger. Most alarmingly, the decision to evacuate came too late.
During the emotional hearing, filled with the families of the victims, Eastland offered insights into the camp’s response as floodwaters from the Guadalupe River rose rapidly. He expressed remorse, saying, “I wish we never had camp that summer.” He acknowledged that faster action could have saved lives, though he maintained they did not expect the storm’s severity.
This hearing is part of ongoing lawsuits from the victims’ families, who are pushing for accountability and the preservation of evidence from the camp site. Amidst this, Camp Mystic is preparing to reopen soon, having secured registrations from nearly 900 girls.
Eastland admitted there was no detailed flood evacuation plan. He noted that more lives could have been spared if he and his father, Richard Eastland, who is also a camp co-owner, had acted more decisively. The waters rose so violently that by the time they decided to evacuate, some cabins were surrounded by dangerous rapids.
Part of the testimony revealed that staff didn’t use available loudspeakers to warn campers and counselors to get to higher ground sooner. Cici Steward, a mother who lost her 8-year-old daughter Cile, spoke out after the hearing, asserting that the camp should not be allowed to operate due to their failure to ensure safety.
Eastland stated that while he and his staff were signed up for a warning system, they missed critical alerts about the risk of flash flooding. A July 3 warning from the National Weather Service specifically highlighted potential dangers in areas like Camp Mystic, yet staff didn’t hold discussions about the warnings that day.
The storms struck in the early hours, leading to the tragic loss of campers, counselors, and Richard Eastland, who was trying to save others when his vehicle was swept away. As attorney Brad Beckworth pointed out, they had been forewarned about the incoming storm.
Moreover, Eastland’s testimony revealed the camp had standard procedures but did not prioritize safety during the critical hours leading up to the disaster. A signed statement from a counselor described the chaos, emphasizing how quickly the water began to rise. Despite the urgent situation, Eastland waited too long to order an evacuation.
This flooding incident wasn’t isolated; at least 136 lives were lost across Texas due to similar flood conditions that year, emphasizing systemic issues around disaster preparedness. The Texas Department of Safety is investigating multiple complaints against the camp owners, and the Texas Rangers are involved in examining charges of neglect.
As the hearing continues, many questions remain unanswered—not just about the camp’s immediate response, but about broader safety and regulatory practices in recreational settings during extreme weather events.
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Camp Mystic,flood,Kerr County
