In the aftermath of one of the deadliest floods in Texas history, families of victims from Camp Mystic have filed lawsuits against the camp's owners, accusing them of gross negligence. The catastrophic floods on July 4 claimed the lives of 27 young campers and counselors, including the camp's co-owner, Dick Eastland. The lawsuits, filed in Austin state court, allege that the camp ignored known flood risks and failed to implement adequate safety measures.

Allegations of Negligence

The lawsuits assert that Camp Mystic, located along the flood-prone Guadalupe River, neglected warnings about the impending storm and rising floodwaters. Families claim that the camp prioritized profit over safety by housing campers in vulnerable cabins and failing to evacuate them in time. "These young girls died because a for-profit camp put profit over safety," states one lawsuit. The plaintiffs are seeking over $1 million in damages, accusing the camp of negligence, wrongful death, and breach of fiduciary duty.

Controversial Reopening Plans

The legal actions come amid Camp Mystic's announcement to partially reopen next summer, a decision that has sparked outrage among victims' families. Some lawsuits accuse the camp of using the deceased girls as a recruiting tool, promoting a memorial without consulting the parents. The camp's attorney, Jeff Ray, contends that the flood was unprecedented and that no adequate warning systems were in place.

Legislative Response

In response to the tragedy, Texas lawmakers have enacted legislation to prevent similar incidents. The new laws restrict the establishment of camps in flood-risk zones and require emergency training for camp staff. These measures aim to address the emergency warning failures highlighted by the Hill Country floods, which claimed over 130 lives across the region.