Camp Mystic Hearings: Survivors Testify Amid Flood Tragedy

Camp Mystic Hearings Focus on Flood Response

The final day of hearings for Camp Mystic saw emotional testimony as survivors and officials recounted the devastating flash flood that claimed 27 lives last July. Families of victims are fighting to prevent the camp from reopening this summer, citing concerns over safety and ongoing investigations. A judge’s ruling on Wednesday allowed for some reconstruction at the site but kept the flood-affected areas closed pending further investigation.

Survivors Recount ‘Inland Tsunami’

Camp director Katie Eastland described the floodwaters as an “inland tsunami,” a stark contrast to previous floods experienced at the camp. She recounted the harrowing experience of evacuating girls to safety, her voice filled with emotion as she told her sister-in-law, “Our entire community is gone.” When asked if she believed she had abandoned 8-year-old Seal Stewart, one of the victims still missing, Eastland stated she had no access to the child during the chaos.

Communication Failures Highlighted

Glenn Yankee, a night watchman at the camp, testified about the terrifying moments he spent moving children to safety. He described being in shock and freezing, telling Eastland, “Y’all could have had a million different evacuation plans.

Nothing would have worked.” The attorneys for the Stewart family argued that a lack of communication, specifically the absence of walkie-talkies or a functioning PA system, contributed to the tragedy. They believe that if campers had been warned earlier, lives could have been saved.

Lawsuit Filed to Prevent Reopening

The parents of 8-year-old Seal Stewart have filed a lawsuit specifically to block Camp Mystic from reopening. They fear that any changes to the campsite could hinder the search for their daughter, who remains missing. Evidence presented included a Kerr County plan indicating that a flood was likely to occur within the next year, raising questions about the camp’s preparedness.

Camp’s License and Future Uncertain

Camp Mystic has applied to the state regulating agency to reopen the Cypress Lake section of the camp, which was not damaged by the flood. This application is still pending.

The Guadalupe River section, however, remains closed due to the ongoing investigation and the search for Seal Stewart. The judge has tentatively set the first trial date for May 2027, with further hearings scheduled for mid-2024.

Calls for Accountability

Families of the victims have sent a detailed letter to state health regulators urging them not to renew the camp’s license while investigations are still active. They highlight that counselors did not carry walkie-talkies, and the PA system was not used for evacuation warnings.

Limited cell service in the area further compounded communication barriers during the emergency. One 911 call played during the hearings revealed a counselor trapped with campers for four hours, unable to reach camp leadership.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Reconstruction experts have been granted access to the site to gather information. The judge is also working with both parties to identify which campers and counselors will testify in future hearings. The legal process is expected to be lengthy, with the next significant hearings slated for the middle of this year.

Source: Emotional testimony ends final day of Camp Mystic hearings (YouTube)