Families Sue Over Camp Mystic Flooding, Alleging Negligence in Tragic Deaths
The aftermath of the tragic flooding at Camp Mystic has led to significant legal actions. Families of the victims are filing lawsuits against the camp and its owners, alleging gross negligence resulting in the deaths of seven campers and two counselors.
Details of the Lawsuits
Three separate lawsuits were filed recently, targeting Camp Mystic and members of the Eastland family, the camp’s owners. The victims include:
- Five campers: Anna Margaret Bellows, Lila Bonner, Chloe Childress, Molly DeWitt, and Katherine Ferruzzo.
- Two counselors: Lainey Landry and Blakely McCrory.
- An 8-year-old camper: Eloise “Lulu” Peck.
- A 9-year-old camper: Ellen Getten.
Each lawsuit seeks over $1 million in damages. They represent the first legal actions taken following the flooding that resulted in these tragic losses.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuits accuse Camp Mystic of failing to establish proper safety measures. They claim that the camp prioritized financial gain over the safety of the campers. Key points include:
- The camp allegedly housed young campers in flood-prone areas, ignoring safety protocols.
- No adequate evacuation plans were in place despite state regulations.
- During the storm, camp officials reportedly evacuated equipment instead of campers, which led to chaos.
One family member stated, “These young girls died because a for-profit camp put profit over safety.” The filing highlights that all of the campers should have been enjoying their summer, yet they lost their lives instead.
The Flood Event
The flooding occurred during the early morning of July 4. Heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically. Reports indicate that the water level increased from about 3 feet to nearly 30 feet in just 45 minutes.
In total, more than 136 people lost their lives due to the flooding across the region. Many of the young victims were staying in cabins located dangerously close to the river.
Response from Camp Mystic
In the wake of the flooding, a statement from Camp Mystic expressed condolences for the families affected by the tragedy. The camp’s legal representatives intend to refute the allegations of negligence. They claim that the floodwaters surged unexpectedly and that adequate warning systems were insufficient in the area.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Flood Incident | July 4 | Heavy rainfall led to catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic. |
| Lawsuit Filed | Recent | Families filed lawsuits against Camp Mystic alleging gross negligence. |
Changes in Safety Regulations
In response to the tragedy, Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed new legislation aimed at improving camp safety in flood-prone areas. These laws mandate that local governments implement outdoor sirens and warning systems.
The events at Camp Mystic have raised serious questions about safety protocols in similar settings, prompting calls for change and accountability in camp management practices.
