Home / Crime and Justice / Camp Doctor Admits Failure to Report Flood Deaths
Camp Doctor Admits Failure to Report Flood Deaths
15 Apr
Summary
- Camp doctor admitted not reporting 27 deaths to state regulators.
- Camp Mystic seeks to reopen despite ongoing investigations.
- Families of victims protest camp's potential return this summer.
The medical officer for Camp Mystic, Mary Liz Eastland, testified on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, that she has not officially reported the 27 deaths from last year's flood to the state health agency. This admission occurred during a legal hearing concerning the camp's application to reopen this summer. The families of the victims are fighting the camp's reopening, seeking to preserve evidence related to the tragedy.
Eastland, also a family owner of Camp Mystic, stated she did not consider the requirement to report deaths within 24 hours in the aftermath of the July 4 flood. Her testimony revealed significant delays in official reporting, even as the camp applied to resume operations. State regulators are reviewing the camp's application, hundreds of complaints, and have invited the Texas Rangers to assist in their investigation.
Parents of the 8-year-old victim, Cile Steward, have filed a lawsuit, arguing the camp should not reopen under the Eastland family's continued leadership. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has also stated no license should be issued until all investigations are complete. Eastland's husband, Edward Eastland, also testified about the events of the flood, including missed weather warnings and delayed evacuations.
