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Texas flood tragedy lawsuits now dominate public attention as grieving families search for accountability after the deadly July 4 flood at Camp Mystic. The lawsuits describe a chain of failures that, according to parents, turned a beloved Christian summer camp into a deadly trap for young girls.
Rising fear before the storm
Eight-year-old Eloise “Lulu” Peck feared rising water weeks before the disaster. She drew dark skies and swelling floods in her notebook. Her parents say those drawings showed a child’s quiet anxiety. Her death mirrored those fears and now drives their legal fight.
A night of terror in central Texas
Violent storms struck Hunt and Kerr County before dawn on Independence Day. Torrents of rain hammered the region and pushed the Guadalupe River to 30 feet. The water swept cabins, trees, cars and sleeping children downstream. The flood killed 27 campers and counselors, including 18 girls whose families now seek justice.
Families outline severe negligence
Four lawsuits accuse Camp Mystic of ignoring clear flood risks. Parents claim the camp kept cabins in dangerous zones, failed to design real evacuation plans, and prioritized cost savings over safety. They argue that staff reacted slowly and ignored early pleas from campers to evacuate.
One filing says a camp director told terrified girls the water would “go back down.” Minutes later, floodwaters trapped them on top bunks and pressed them toward the ceiling. Some girls jumped into the current to escape drowning. Many never made it out.
Survivors describe unthinkable scenes
According to the lawsuits, girls clung to trees as debris-filled water pulled them under. They listened to distant screams from other cabins. Counselors fled through windows and dragged children uphill in the dark. Others stayed trapped as the cabins filled. Parents say their daughters died in fear, not knowing help would never come.
Long history of flood danger
Families argue that Camp Mystic understood the river’s power for decades. Historic floods struck the region in 1932, 1978, 1984 and 1987. Yet, the camp allegedly failed to upgrade warning systems or relocate vulnerable structures. Parents say the camp even removed most cabins from FEMA flood maps in 2013 to avoid costly insurance.
Camp response sparks outrage
Camp Mystic disputes the allegations. Its attorneys argue the storm was unprecedented and struck with no reliable warning. They say staff rescued 166 girls and that co-owner Richard “Dick” Eastland died while trying to save children.
But families say the camp shows little accountability. Shortly after the tragedy, Camp Mystic promoted its 2026 reopening and solicited donations. Parents call this move deeply offensive and believe the camp focuses more on image than truth.
Grieving families vow to continue
Months after the flood, parents still seek recognition, transparency and responsibility. They argue that safer cabins, stronger plans and basic communication tools could have saved their daughters. Until someone answers for the disaster, they say they cannot move on.
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