Texas Investigates Hundreds of Complaints Against Camp Mystic After Deadly Floods

State regulators and Texas Rangers probe allegations of neglect as camp seeks license renewal

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged, twisted piece of metal debris from the Camp Mystic flood site, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the grim aftermath of the deadly disaster.The twisted remnants of the Camp Mystic floods expose the tragic aftermath of the disaster that killed 27 young campers.Austin Today

Texas health regulators and the Texas Rangers are investigating hundreds of complaints against Camp Mystic following last year's devastating floods that killed 27 girls, as the state considers whether to allow the all-girls camp to reopen this summer. The investigations underscore the hurdles facing Camp Mystic as it pushes ahead with reopening plans over the outrage of the families of the victims.

Why it matters

The probe into Camp Mystic's operations comes as the camp seeks to renew its license to operate, raising questions about whether it will be allowed to reopen amid the ongoing investigations and lawsuits from victims' families alleging the camp failed to protect campers during the deadly floods.

The details

Texas health regulators said they have received 'hundreds of complaints regarding Camp Mystic's operations in the summer of 2025' alleging violations of state laws governing youth camps. The Texas Rangers have also joined an 'investigation regarding complaints of neglect' during the floods that killed 27 girls and two counselors. The camp did not evacuate and was hit hard when the river rose from 14 feet to 29.5 feet within 60 minutes before dawn.

  • In July 2025, devastating floods killed 27 girls and two teenage counselors at Camp Mystic.
  • Since February 2026, the Texas Department of State Health Services has received hundreds of complaints about Camp Mystic's 2025 operations.
  • On April 7, 2026, Texas regulators notified Camp Mystic's owners that they are investigating the complaints.

The players

Texas Department of State Health Services

The state agency that regulates youth camps and is investigating hundreds of complaints against Camp Mystic.

Texas Rangers

The elite state police investigative unit that is assisting in the probe of allegations of neglect at Camp Mystic.

Camp Mystic

The all-girls Christian summer camp in Texas that is seeking to renew its license to operate after the deadly 2025 floods.

Cile Steward

An 8-year-old camper whose body has not yet been recovered after the 2025 floods.

Edward Eastland

One of the owners of Camp Mystic who was killed in the 2025 floods.

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What they’re saying

“I urge you to prioritize safety and do everything in your power to ensure Camp Mystic and/or their operators are not allowed to operate until the facts are in.”

— Dan Patrick, Texas Lt. Governor

What’s next

The Texas Department of State Health Services said it will continue its investigation into the hundreds of complaints against Camp Mystic as the state considers whether to renew the camp's license to operate. The Texas Rangers' probe into allegations of neglect is also ongoing.

The takeaway

The investigations into Camp Mystic's operations and the deadly 2025 floods that killed 27 girls raise serious questions about the camp's future and whether it will be allowed to reopen amid the outrage of victims' families and the state's scrutiny of its practices and emergency preparedness.