Camp Mystic Flood Lawsuit: Testimony Reveals Negligence and Evidence Preservation Order
A Texas judge ordered Camp Mystic to preserve flood-damaged structures as evidence in a wrongful death lawsuit following a July 2025 disaster that killed 27 girls. During hearings, camp staff admitted to lacking evacuation plans and failing to report deaths promptly. A security guard testified that earlier evacuation could have saved lives, highlighting severe negligence. Families are urging regulators to deny the camp’s operating license, while the site remains closed pending investigation. The case underscores critical safety failures and regulatory breaches at the youth facility.
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Camp Mystic Guard Testifies Early Evacuation Could Have Saved Lives in Deadly Flood
Glenn Juenke, a security guard at Camp Mystic, testified that an earlier general evacuation order could have prevented deaths during the deadly July 4th flood in Texas. Speaking at a three-day hearing regarding the camp's potential reopening, Juenke acknowledged that while he personally directed a group of campers to higher ground, this was his own initiative rather than an official directive from camp management or authorities. He further stated that he did not recall any emergency evacuation training being provided to staff or campers prior to the disaster. The hearing is part of an ongoing legal battle between the camp operators, who seek to reopen the all-girls Christian camp for the summer, and the families of victims who died when the Guadalupe River surged. A judge has currently ruled that parts of the camp must remain closed until the investigation is complete. Juenke’s testimony highlights critical gaps in emergency preparedness and decision-making protocols during the catastrophic event, raising questions about liability and safety standards at the facility.
nbcnewsCamp Mystic Guard Testifies Early Evacuation Could Have Saved Lives in Deadly Flood
Glenn Juenke, the night watchman at Camp Mystic during last year’s fatal July 4 flood, testified in Austin’s 459th State District Court that an early general evacuation order could have saved lives. The hearing is part of a lawsuit filed against the camp by grieving families. Juenke became emotional while recounting the events, acknowledging that timely action might have prevented the tragedy. Among those present were CiCi and Will Steward, who lost their eight-year-old daughter, Cile, in the disaster. CiCi Steward held a handkerchief embroidered with her daughter’s name as she listened to the testimony. Other affected families, including the Eastlands, also attended the proceedings. The case centers on allegations of negligence and failure to protect campers during the severe storm. Juenke’s admission highlights critical lapses in emergency response protocols at the facility. The courtroom atmosphere was somber as victims’ relatives sought accountability for the loss of their children. This testimony marks a significant development in the legal battle, providing insider perspective on the decision-making process during the crisis. The outcome of this suit could have broader implications for safety regulations at similar recreational facilities.
AP NewsTexas Judge Orders Camp Mystic to Preserve Flood-Damaged Cabins Amid Lawsuit
A Texas state district judge has issued an order requiring Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp, to preserve cabins and structures damaged during the deadly July 2025 floods in the Texas Hill Country. The ruling prohibits the camp from altering, demolishing, or repairing flood-affected areas to prevent the destruction of evidence. This legal action was requested by the parents of eight-year-old Cecilia 'Cile' Steward, who remains missing after being swept away in the disaster that claimed 27 lives. The Stewards are among several families suing the camp for negligence, arguing that leaders failed to provide adequate flood protections or evacuation plans. Despite the camp's plan to reopen for over 800 campers this summer, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble determined that the site cannot be used as a camp until further notice, though limited staff residence is permitted. During recent hearings, camp director Edward Eastland admitted the lack of a written evacuation plan, contradicting state requirements. The plaintiffs urge Texas authorities to deny the camp's operating license, citing a breach of duty of care to the minor campers.
nprJudge Orders Camp Mystic Flood Site Preserved Amid Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A Texas judge has issued an injunction requiring Camp Mystic to preserve flood-damaged buildings and land as evidence in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Cile Steward, an eight-year-old camper who died in last summer's torrential flooding. The ruling follows emotional testimony from the Eastland family, camp owners, who admitted failing to warn campers of rising waters before twenty-seven people died. The Steward family argues that physical evidence, including cabins, is critical to their case. While the Eastlands plan to reopen the camp at a different location, they are barred from cleaning up the disaster site. Concurrently, six victim families have urged state regulators to deny Camp Mystic’s operating license, citing gross negligence and failure to evacuate or inform parents. Over six hundred complaints have been lodged against the camp. Judge Maya Guerra Gamble accelerated the trial schedule and mandated coordinated depositions to minimize trauma for surviving children, stating they will not be required to testify in court. Investigations by the Texas Rangers and health officials continue, with no charges filed yet.
cnnCamp Mystic Official Testifies Deaths Not Reported to State Agency
During a hearing in the 459th State District Court in Austin, Texas, on April 14, 2026, Camp Mystic’s medical officer testified that she has not yet officially reported the deaths of 27 girls to the state health agency responsible for regulating camps. The fatalities occurred during a severe flood at the summer camp on July 4 of the previous year. The testimony was part of an ongoing lawsuit filed against Camp Mystic by grieving families, including Will and CiCi Steward, who lost their eight-year-old daughter, Cile Steward, in the disaster. Camp director Mary Liz Easton was also questioned during the proceedings, where she became emotional while addressing the court. Evidence presented included photographs documenting the flooding conditions at the camp. This legal proceeding highlights significant allegations regarding regulatory compliance and communication failures following one of the deadliest incidents in recent camping history. The case continues to draw attention to safety protocols and emergency response measures required for youth summer camps in Texas.
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