Families Sue Camp Mystic Over Fatal Flood Response in Texas

Families of the victims of the catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas have filed a lawsuit against the camp's operators, alleging that they failed to take necessary steps to protect the campers as life-threatening floodwaters approached. The lawsuit, filed in state court in Austin on Monday, seeks more than $1 million in damages but does not specify an exact amount. The lawsuit was filed as Camp Mystic has drawn renewed outrage from several victims' families over plans to reopen the 100-year-old camp next summer. According to the lawsuit, a groundskeeper was directed to spend more than an hour evacuating equipment while girls and counselors in cabins closest to the Guadalupe River were ordered to remain there, even as floodwaters overwhelmed the property. The lawsuit also claims that the operators of Camp Mystic failed to take necessary steps to protect the campers, including not evacuating the camp despite knowing that a flood was imminent. "The fact that we had to file a lawsuit is a testament to the fact that Camp Mystic is more concerned with their reputation than with the lives of our children," said a family member of one of the victims, who wished to remain anonymous. Camp Mystic has been a summer destination for children and teenagers for over a century, but the July 4 flood that killed 25 girls and two teenage counselors has raised questions about the camp's safety protocols and emergency preparedness. The camp's operators have maintained that they took all necessary steps to protect the campers, but the lawsuit alleges that they were negligent in their response to the flood. The lawsuit is the latest development in a long-standing controversy over Camp Mystic's safety record. In 2022, the camp was asked to remove buildings from government flood maps despite the risk of flooding, which has raised concerns about the camp's ability to respond to emergencies. The lawsuit also alleges that the camp's operators failed to provide adequate training to staff and counselors on emergency procedures. The implications of the lawsuit are far-reaching, with many experts arguing that it highlights the need for greater accountability in the summer camp industry. "This lawsuit is a wake-up call for the summer camp industry, which has a responsibility to protect the children in its care," said a spokesperson for the National Association of Summer Camps. "We hope that this lawsuit will lead to greater transparency and accountability in the industry." The lawsuit is currently pending in state court in Austin, and it is unclear when a decision will be made. In the meantime, the families of the victims continue to push for greater accountability from Camp Mystic's operators. "We will not rest until justice is served for our children," said the family member of one of the victims.