Camp Mystic Faces Scrutiny Over Unreported Deaths

Medical officer testifies she failed to notify state agency of 27 camper deaths after deadly flood

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged camp sign or equipment against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of the deadly flood and the need for a thorough investigation.The aftermath of the deadly flood at Camp Mystic raises questions about the camp's transparency and accountability.Austin Today

The medical officer for the Texas summer camp where 27 girls were killed in a flood last year testified that she still has not officially reported the deaths to the state health agency that regulates camps, despite being required to do so within 24 hours. The revelation comes as the camp faces legal battles and scrutiny over its application to reopen this summer.

Why it matters

The failure to report the deaths raises questions about the camp's transparency and accountability, and could potentially impact its license renewal. The tragedy has also prompted state investigations and outrage from victims' families, who argue the camp should not be allowed to reopen under the current leadership.

The details

Mary Liz Eastland, a member of the family that owns and operates Camp Mystic, was questioned in a legal fight between the camp operators and families of victims who have filed lawsuits. Eastland testified that she 'did not think of this requirement in the moments happening after the flood' and had not reported the deaths even leading up to the camp's March 31 application to reopen. When pressed, she acknowledged she 'guess so' should formally report the deaths now. It's unclear if the failure to report will affect the camp's license application, but state regulators say they will consider any findings from their inspection and investigation.

  • The flood that killed 27 campers and two counselors occurred on July 4 of last year.
  • Camp Mystic submitted its application to reopen on March 31, 2026.

The players

Mary Liz Eastland

The medical officer for Camp Mystic and a member of the family that owns and operates the camp.

Richard Eastland

Mary Liz Eastland's father-in-law, who was also killed in the flood.

Edward Eastland

Mary Liz Eastland's husband, who testified about missed weather warnings, the delayed decision to evacuate, and attempts to save campers.

Cile Steward

An 8-year-old camper who is the only one still missing after the flood.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

The state agency that regulates camps and is reviewing Camp Mystic's application to reopen.

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What they’re saying

“I did not think of this requirement in the moments happening after the flood.”

— Mary Liz Eastland, Medical officer, Camp Mystic

“A genuine hero testified today. He told a gripping story of saving lives in an unprecedented tsunami. I am proud to represent Edward Eastland and his family.”

— Mikal Watts, Attorney for the Eastland family

“You knew the property. You knew the flood lines. You knew access points. Your children knew them. These were first-year campers … Cile needed your help and you abandoned her, didn't you?”

— Christina Yarnell, Attorney for the Steward family

“Yes.”

— Mary Liz Eastland, Medical officer, Camp Mystic

What’s next

State regulators will visit the camp during the license review, and the Texas Rangers investigative unit has been invited to help with the investigation. Lawmakers are also conducting a separate investigation of the flood.

The takeaway

The failure to report the deaths of 27 campers and two counselors to state regulators, as required by law, raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability at Camp Mystic. This lapse, combined with the ongoing legal battles and scrutiny over the camp's application to reopen, underscores the need for a thorough and independent investigation to ensure the safety of any future campers.