Camp Mystic Report Finds Lack of Planning Led to Preventable Flood Deaths

Camp Mystic’s leaders failed at almost every step to prepare for and respond to the devastating July 4 floods that ultimately killed 25 campers and two counselors, according to a report delivered to a special legislative committee formed to investigate the tragedy. The report, released in late April 2026, found that the Hill Country Christian camp did not have written emergency plans in violation of state requirements. It also noted that the camp did not adequately prepare for the floods, despite storm warnings, and did not evacuate campers in advance of the flash floods, despite “ample opportunity” to do so.

Michael Massengale, a former appellate judge and one of the investigators hired by the committee, emphasized that “there was no plan.” This lack of planning violated state licensing requirements for camps and led to preventable deaths, he said. “A plan that existed only in Dick Eastland’s head is not a plan that satisfied the state’s rules for camps like Camp Mystic,” he said, referring to the camp’s longtime leader who died in the floods.

The release of the report marks the end of a months-long investigation that lawmakers said was needed to fully understand what went wrong at Camp Mystic and offer families a chance to share their experiences. The findings highlight significant gaps in the camp’s preparedness and response protocols, raising questions about accountability and safety in youth ministry settings.

Camp Mystic had initially planned to reopen this summer, but abandoned those plans at the end of April after fierce opposition from lawmakers and families who lost their daughters. The camp is still facing several wrongful death lawsuits. At a hearing in April, members of the Eastland family who ran the camp said they were still grappling with grief and had done the best they could under the circumstances.

Investigators reconstructed a detailed timeline of the early morning hours of July 4th, noting that camp operators were well aware of the dangers posed by flooding. Some of the cabins sat on the banks of the Guadalupe River, increasing the risk of disaster. The report underscores the importance of clear, written emergency procedures and the need for organizations serving minors to prioritize safety and preparedness.

The tragedy at Camp Mystic serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility that comes with caring for children. Proverbs 31:8-9 calls for speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, a principle that should guide all who lead or serve in environments where minors are present. As the community reflects on the events of that fateful day, the call to ensure accountability, safety, and proper governance remains urgent and vital.

Source: Read the original report