The families of six children and two counselors who died in the devastating July floods at Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp in Kerr County, Texas, have filed two separate lawsuits alleging negligence and wrongful death against the camp’s owners and others involved.
The catastrophic flooding, triggered by slow-moving thunderstorms over the Texas Hill Country, killed 27 children and counselors at the camp and more than 100 people statewide.
‘Known Danger Ignored’
According to the lawsuits, Camp Mystic was situated in a well-documented flash flood zone along the Guadalupe River, in an area often referred to as “Flash Flood Alley.”
Attorneys for the families of five children and two counselors claim the camp failed to implement legally required evacuation plans, ignored repeated weather warnings, and adopted unsafe policies that ultimately led to the deaths.
“Camp Mystic has long operated in a high-risk flood zone. Despite this known danger, the camp failed to act responsibly and prioritize the safety of campers and staff,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys said in a joint statement.
The lawsuits further allege that, as floodwaters rose, camp staff spent over an hour moving equipment instead of evacuating campers. Two cabins of children and counselors were reportedly told to stay in place while others were moved to higher ground roughly 300 feet away.
“Finally, when it was too late, the camp made a hopeless ‘rescue’ attempt from its self-created disaster in which 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp director died,” the lawsuit claims.
Camp Mystic’s Response
Jeff Ray, attorney for Camp Mystic, disputed the claims in a statement to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, saying that the flooding was of “unprecedented magnitude.”
“This sudden surge of floodwaters far exceeded any previous flood in the area by several magnitudes. It was unexpected, and no adequate warning systems existed in the region,” Ray said.
He added that there was “misinformation” in the lawsuits concerning the actions of the camp and its owner and director, Dick Eastland, who also perished in the disaster.
Separate Suit by Parents of 8-Year-Old Victim
The parents of 8-year-old Eloise “Lulu” Peck, Timothy and Melissa Peck, filed a separate lawsuit Monday. Their complaint alleges that the camp’s owners had known for decades — dating as far back as 1932 — that the camp’s cabins were vulnerable to flooding from the Guadalupe River.
“The owners knew they were playing Russian Roulette with the lives of little girls,” the lawsuit says.
The Pecks’ suit seeks more than $1 million in damages for wrongful death, mental anguish, and related claims.
“There is no greater trust than when a parent entrusts their child to another,” the parents wrote. “Parents don’t send their children to summer camp to die. Camp Mystic and those who ran it betrayed that trust.”
Unprecedented Flooding
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Guadalupe River rose more than 20 feet in just a few hours early on July 4. The storms formed when the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry merged with a trough and moisture from the Eastern Pacific, producing over 20 inches of rain in some parts of the Texas Hill Country.
Officials said at least 117 people died in Kerr County alone, with two still missing as of August.
Moving Forward
Camp Mystic has announced plans to partially reopen next year, with a memorial to the victims.
“Our clients are devastated by the loss of Lulu,” said attorney Randy R. Howry, who represents the Pecks. “It was a terrible tragedy that could have been avoided. Camp Mystic must be held accountable for their failure to protect these children.”
