In brief
Legal proceedings regarding the Camp Mystic flood tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 27 girls and staff, reveal that the camp's medical officer has yet to report these deaths to state regulators. Mary Liz Eastland's testimony highlighted the camp's operational decisions during the flood, the lack of timely evacuations, and ongoing family lawsuits questioning the camp's reopening under the Eastland family's management. As investigations continue, pressure mounts to ensure accountability before any renewal of the camp's license.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The medical officer for the Texas summer camp where 27 girls were killed in a flood last year testified Tuesday that she still has not officially reported the deaths to the state health agency regulating camps. Mary Liz Eastland, part of the camp’s ownership family, was questioned in a legal battle with families of the victims seeking to preserve evidence of the catastrophe. The session provided extensive details about the July 4 flood's impact on Camp Mystic and the delayed responses to evacuate when warnings were issued too late. Despite the confirmed fatalities of 25 campers and two counselors, the Texas administrative code mandates reporting deaths to health regulators within 24 hours. “I did not think of this requirement in the moments after the flood,” Eastland admitted, mentioning her failure to comply ahead of the camp’s application to reopen.She struggled to pinpoint when she learned of the campers' deaths, indicating it could have been days later. When asked if she should formally report the deaths with the camp’s license now pending, Eastland responded, “I guess so.” The uncertainty surrounding her inaction raises questions about the potential impact on the camp's license application. The camp’s application includes details on camp officers and flood map assessments, but its safety plan remains confidential. State regulators plan an inspection and have received numerous complaints about the camp, while the Texas Rangers investigate the situation further. During her testimony, Eastland's husband Edward, previously questioned, spoke of the harrowing moments seeking to save campers as floodwaters became torrents. He recounted efforts to rescue girls from the rapidly rising waters, which he described as tsunamis. Families of the deceased, including the Stewart family of the only missing camper, have expressed outrage over the camp's reopening plans. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has insisted that no licenses be issued until investigations conclude. Mary Liz Eastland shared her own family’s struggles as they fled to higher ground during the storm, witnessing the devastating aftermath at sunrise. However, she faced hard questioning about complacency during the disaster, particularly considering her long history with the camp. Stewart family’s attorney underscored Eastland’s familiarity with the camp properties and flood risks, emphasizing the expectation for proactive measures in this calamity. Eastland acknowledged failures in the timely evacuation of campers as rescue efforts were hindered by the unfolding disaster.
