Why are families suing Texas officials over Camp Mystic?

Families are suing Texas officials because they allege the state licensed Camp Mystic in a flood-prone area without ensuring it had a required evacuation plan, contributing to the deaths of 27 campers and counselors.

What was the alleged policy at Camp Mystic during floods?

The lawsuit alleges that Camp Mystic had an 'anti-evacuation plan' or a 'stay put' policy, instructing campers to remain in their cabins during flooding.

What role did the Texas Department of State Health Services play?

The Texas Department of State Health Services is accused of failing to enforce state law requiring evacuation plans and systematically ignoring safety rules for over a decade when licensing youth camps.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Camp Mystic Lawsuit: State Ignored Flood Risk

Camp Mystic Lawsuit: State Ignored Flood Risk

24 Feb

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Summary

Lawsuit alleges Texas officials licensed camp in 'Flash Flood Alley' without an evacuation plan.
State agency accused of ignoring safety rules for over a decade.
27 campers and counselors died in July 2025 flooding due to lack of preparedness.

Camp Mystic Lawsuit: State Ignored Flood Risk

Nine grieving families have filed a sweeping federal lawsuit against Texas officials, alleging negligence led to the deaths of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. The suit, filed in US District Court for the Western District of Texas, asserts that the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) licensed the riverside camp in an area known as 'Flash Flood Alley' despite lacking a legally required evacuation plan.