Camp Mystic Director Testifies He Missed Flood Warnings Before Deadly 2025 Disaster
Edward Eastland, director of Camp Mystic in Texas, testified in court that he did not see federal and state flood warnings issued the day before a devastating storm killed 27 people at the camp in July 2025. During a hearing in Austin regarding lawsuits filed by victims' families, Eastland stated that while staff used weather apps and emergency alert systems, they did not monitor specific social media posts from the National Weather Service or the Texas Department of Emergency Management. He admitted no staff meetings were held to discuss the pending danger, relying instead on local CodeRED alerts which he deemed sufficient. The testimony occurred as the camp seeks a license to reopen part of its grounds. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued the camp was explicitly warned. The flood, which struck overnight on July 4, 2025, claimed the lives of 25 campers, two counselors, and Eastland’s father, Richard Eastland. The court is currently addressing evidence preservation and liability issues surrounding the tragedy on the Guadalupe River banks.
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Camp Mystic Director Testifies He Missed Flood Warnings Before Deadly 2025 Disaster
Edward Eastland, director of Camp Mystic in Texas, testified in court that he did not see federal and state flood warnings issued the day before a devastating storm killed 27 people at the camp in July 2025. During a hearing in Austin regarding lawsuits filed by victims' families, Eastland stated that while staff used weather apps and emergency alert systems, they did not monitor specific social media posts from the National Weather Service or the Texas Department of Emergency Management. He admitted no staff meetings were held to discuss the pending danger, relying instead on local CodeRED alerts which he deemed sufficient. The testimony occurred as the camp seeks a license to reopen part of its grounds. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued the camp was explicitly warned. The flood, which struck overnight on July 4, 2025, claimed the lives of 25 campers, two counselors, and Eastland’s father, Richard Eastland. The court is currently addressing evidence preservation and liability issues surrounding the tragedy on the Guadalupe River banks.
AP News