Security Guard Says Early Evacuation Could Have Saved Lives at Deadly Camp Flood

Camp Mystic security guard testifies about missed chances to prepare for storm and delayed evacuation orders.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:18am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled, water-damaged camper's backpack against a stark black background, conveying the grim aftermath of the Camp Mystic flood tragedy.The aftermath of the deadly Camp Mystic flood exposes the tragic consequences of inadequate emergency planning.Austin Today

The security guard at Camp Mystic in Texas acknowledged that if a general evacuation order had come earlier during last year's deadly flood, lives could have been saved. Glenn Juenke helped move some campers to a two-story building but was later trapped himself, though he was able to order a group of young girls to run to higher ground. Juenke said the camp lacked a detailed evacuation plan and failed to use speakers or radios to tell campers to leave their cabins before the flood waters rose. In all, 25 campers and two teenage counselors were killed in the disaster.

Why it matters

The hearing has provided the most extensive details yet from camp operators about the missed opportunities to prepare for the storm and the delayed decisions to evacuate, which have angered families of the victims. The camp's plan to reopen this summer is still under review by state regulators as lawsuits over the tragedy proceed.

The details

Juenke, who was called as a witness for the camp operators, said it was his own decision to tell a group of campers to scramble up a hillside as floodwaters rose, and was not an order from camp directors or authorities. He did not recall the camp ever training campers, counselors and staff on emergency evacuation procedures. Juenke said he first helped camp directors Dick and Edward Eastland move some girls away from their cabins, but later abandoned his truck when the water got too high. On foot, Juenke ordered a group of young girls to run to higher ground, then returned to another cabin where he became trapped in waist-deep water. Juenke said the girls in that cabin followed his instructions to get on air mattresses and float for several hours.

  • The deadly flood swept through the Guadalupe River in the predawn hours of July 4th.
  • The hearing took place over a three-day period.

The players

Glenn Juenke

The security guard at Camp Mystic the night of the deadly flood who helped move some campers to safety but was later trapped himself.

Dick Eastland

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

Edward Eastland

One of the co-owners of Camp Mystic.

Catie Eastland

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

Brad Beckworth

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

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What they’re saying

“You can blame it on Mother Nature or God Almighty, but 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 the family of Cile Steward

“We did everything we could do in the time that we had.”

— Glenn Juenke, Security guard

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragedy has highlighted the critical importance of comprehensive emergency planning and early evacuation orders at summer camps, especially those located in areas prone to severe weather events. The lack of preparedness and delayed response at Camp Mystic proved devastating, and has left families seeking accountability and change to prevent future such disasters.