Camp Mystic official testifies deaths not reported to state agency

Operator says she did not think to report 27 camper deaths to regulators reviewing the camp's license application

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, damaged piece of camp equipment or debris, lit dramatically by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the aftermath and investigation of the deadly Camp Mystic flood.The aftermath of the deadly Camp Mystic flood exposes the camp's failure to report camper deaths to state regulators.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 and is reviewing its application to reopen this summer. 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.

Why it matters

The failure to report the deaths to state regulators as required raises questions about the camp's transparency and accountability, and could potentially impact its license renewal application as the state investigates the deadly flood incident.

The details

Eastland testified that she did not think of the requirement to report the deaths to state health regulators within 24 hours in the aftermath of the flood. She also acknowledged never trying to evacuate campers from the low-lying areas in the early moments of the storm, saying she could not pass through the rising floodwaters. The camp's plan to reopen part of the campus this summer and host nearly 900 girls has outraged families of the girls killed.

  • The deadly flood occurred on July 4 of last year.
  • The camp has applied to reopen on March 31 of this year.
  • Eastland testified on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Mary Liz Eastland

The medical officer for Camp Mystic, 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 earlier about missed weather warnings, delayed evacuation, 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 Eastlands

“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

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. Separate state legislative investigations are also ongoing.

The takeaway

The failure to report the camper deaths to state regulators as required raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability at Camp Mystic, and could jeopardize the camp's license renewal as the state investigates the deadly flood incident.