Parents of Camp Mystic victims sue Texas health department

Lawsuit claims state wrongfully licensed camp despite lack of evacuation plan before deadly flash flood

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The parents of nine victims killed in the July 4 flash flood at Camp Mystic have filed a federal lawsuit against the Texas Department of State Health Services, accusing the state agency of wrongfully licensing the camp two days before the disaster despite its lack of an evacuation plan. The lawsuit claims the state health services department knew the camp had no written evacuation plans on file, as required by state law for youth camps.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues around state oversight and licensing of youth camps, as well as the importance of proper emergency planning to protect campers' safety. The lawsuit alleges state officials were aware of the camp's lack of an evacuation plan but still approved its license, potentially contributing to the high death toll from the unexpected flash flood.

The details

The federal lawsuit was filed by the parents of nine victims killed in the July 4 flash flood at Camp Mystic. It accuses several Texas Department of State Health Services officials of violating the victims' constitutional rights by licensing the camp despite knowing it lacked a required written evacuation plan. The lawsuit claims Camp Mystic posted instructions telling campers to remain inside cabins during a flooding emergency, rather than having a proper evacuation plan.

  • The state health department licensed Camp Mystic two days before the July 4 flash flood disaster.
  • The July 4 flash flood killed 28 people at Camp Mystic, including 25 children, two counselors, and one of the camp's co-owners.

The players

Texas Department of State Health Services

The state agency responsible for licensing and overseeing youth camps in Texas.

Jennifer Shuford

The Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner named in the lawsuit.

Camp Mystic

The privately operated Christian girls' camp where the deadly flash flood occurred.

Richard 'Dick' Eastland

One of the co-owners and executive directors of Camp Mystic, who was killed in the flash flood.

Paul Yetter and Richard Mithoff

The Houston attorneys representing the families suing the state health department.

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What they’re saying

“The camp is responsible, but so are the state officials who helped create this inexcusable risk to life by directing and executing a policy of non-compliance with Texas law. Young campers and counselors were killed because the camp had no plan.”

— Paul Yetter, Attorney (expressnews.com)

“The DSHS officials responsible for licensing youth camps deliberately looked the other way. While Camp Mystic bears responsibility and is also being sued, state officials knew the camp's emergency plan lacked a required evacuation component and still licensed it as safe.”

— Paul Yetter, Attorney (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant a temporary restraining order and injunction to stop Camp Mystic from reopening and halt any construction on the property until the lawsuit goes to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger state oversight and enforcement of safety regulations for youth camps, as well as the importance of comprehensive emergency planning to protect campers in the event of natural disasters or other emergencies.