Families File Lawsuits Against Camp Mystic After Devastating July 4th Flood
The families of six campers and two counselors who died in the catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic on the Fourth of July have filed two separate wrongful death lawsuits against the Texas summer camp and its owners, alleging gross negligence and preventable tragedy.
The Tragedy
In the early morning hours of Independence Day, flash flooding swept through Camp Mystic in Kerr County, killing 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp director—a total of 27 victims. The Guadalupe River rose over 20 feet in just a few hours, overwhelming the historic summer camp for girls.
The Lawsuits
One lawsuit was filed by the families of five campers and two counselors: Anna Margaret Bellows, Lila Bonner, Chloe Childress, Molly DeWitt, Katherine Ferruzzo, Lainey Landry, and Blakely McCrory. A second lawsuit was filed by the family of 8-year-old Eloise “Lulu” Peck. Both suits name Camp Mystic and members of the Eastland family, which has owned the 99-year-old camp, as defendants.
Each lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $1 million under Texas law for wrongful death, survival claims, and exemplary damages.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuits paint a disturbing picture of the events leading up to the tragedy:
- The camp is located in an area known as “Flash Flood Alley” along the Guadalupe River
- Camp Mystic allegedly failed to adopt state-required evacuation plans and ignored weather warnings
- Camp staff allegedly prioritized protecting equipment over evacuating campers, with a groundskeeper directed to spend over an hour evacuating camp equipment while campers and counselors were ordered to stay in their cabins
- Campers and counselors in two cabins were ordered to stay put even as others had been moved to higher ground just 300 feet away
“There is no greater trust than when a parent entrusts the care of their child to another. Camp Mystic and the people who ran it betrayed that trust.” — petition on behalf of the Peck family
A Heartbreaking Detail
The Peck lawsuit noted that 8-year-old Lulu had a particular fear of thunderstorms and flooding, writing in her journal in May 2025 that she was “scard [sic] of thunderstorms, darkness, natrl dasters [sic],” alongside a drawing of what appeared to be a wave approaching buildings.
Camp’s Response
Jeff Ray, a lawyer for Camp Mystic, said in a statement that the magnitude of the flooding was unexpected. The camp has maintained that the flood was unprecedented in its severity.
Seeking Change
The families, who refer to their lost loved ones as “Heaven’s 27,” hope their legal action will bring accountability and lead to stronger safety standards at youth camps across Texas.
“We carry the memory of our daughter in everything we do. This legal step is about honoring her and ensuring truth and justice for all the families affected”. — Ryan DeWitt, whose daughter Molly was among the victims
As these families pursue justice through the courts, their message is clear: no parent should have to endure the unimaginable pain of losing a child at what should have been a safe summer camp experience.
Today is Veterans Day.
Austin’s Veterans Day parade begins at 9:00 a.m. this morning at the Congress Avenue Bridge and makes it way up the State Capitol .
City offices + facilities will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 for #VeteransDay. Celebrate your veteran community with us at the Austin Veterans Day Parade! 🥁
— City of Austin (@austintexasgov) November 10, 2025
📌 City closures: https://t.co/doFLZgRUhs
👉 Event details: https://t.co/oXHfRt0eLV pic.twitter.com/SAUk6Veukf
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