Camp Mystic security guard says early evacuation could have saved lives

Testimony reveals missed chances to prepare for deadly 2025 flood at Christian camp

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged, waterlogged camper's storage trunk against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of the deadly flood at Camp Mystic.The aftermath of the deadly flood at Camp Mystic exposes the grim physical remnants of the tragedy, as investigators seek answers about the camp's emergency response failures.Austin Today

The security guard at Camp Mystic in Texas has acknowledged that if a general evacuation order had been issued early during the 2025 flood that killed 27 people, lives could have been saved. Glenn Juenke testified that he made the decision to tell a group of campers to evacuate to higher ground, but the camp did not have a detailed emergency plan and failed to use speakers or radios to order an evacuation before the floodwaters rose.

Why it matters

The testimony from the security guard provides new details about the events at Camp Mystic during the deadly flood and raises questions about the camp's emergency preparedness and response. The camp's plan to reopen this summer has angered families of the victims, and the camp's license is still under review by state regulators.

The details

Juenke said he first helped camp directors Dick and Edward Eastland move some girls to a two-story building, but he later got trapped in a cabin with a group of young girls. He ordered them to get on air mattresses and they stayed floating there for several hours, getting bitten by fire ants and spiders. Juenke said he then met up with camp director Catie Eastland near the two-story building where about 100 girls had escaped. He told her 'Y'all could have had a million different evacuation plans, nothing would have worked.' Lawyers for the victims' families have focused on the lack of a detailed evacuation plan and the failure to order campers to evacuate their cabins before the floodwaters rose.

  • The deadly flood swept through the Guadalupe River at Camp Mystic in the predawn hours of July 4, 2025.
  • The camp's license is still under review by state health regulators as of April 2026.

The players

Glenn Juenke

The security guard at Camp Mystic the night of the deadly 2025 flood who helped move some girls to a two-story building before getting trapped inside a cabin himself.

Dick Eastland

One of the co-owners of Camp Mystic who died in the 2025 flood.

Edward Eastland

One of the co-directors of Camp Mystic who was with Juenke moving girls to a two-story building during the flood.

Catie Eastland

One of the camp directors who Juenke met up with near the two-story building where about 100 girls had escaped the flood.

Brad Beckworth

An attorney representing the family of Cile Steward, an 8-year-old camper whose body has not been recovered.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Y'all could have had a million different evacuation plans, nothing would have worked,”

— Glenn Juenke, Security guard

“If anyone had used the speakers or walkie-talkie and told them to leave before 3 (am), they would've survived,”

— Brad Beckworth, Attorney for Cile Steward's family

What’s next

A judge last month ordered the camp to preserve damaged areas as evidence for pending lawsuits, but that ruling is under appeal. The camp's plan to reopen this summer is still under review by state health regulators.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of thorough emergency planning and communication at summer camps and other facilities responsible for the safety of children. The testimony reveals missed opportunities that could have saved lives, raising serious questions about the camp's preparedness and the need for stronger regulations to protect vulnerable young campers.