Camp Mystic, the Christian summer camp in Texas where 28 people died in a catastrophic flood on July 4, 2025, has filed for bankruptcy, according to court records. In a Chapter 11 filing submitted on Wednesday in the southern district of Texas, the camp's owners stated that total debt exceeds $10 million.
Background of the tragedy
The filing comes months after Camp Mystic halted plans to reopen this summer amid mounting outrage and criticism from victims' families and state officials. The devastating flood killed 25 campers, two teenage counselors, and the camp's owner, Dick Eastland. Since the disaster, the camp and its owners have faced intense scrutiny over their response to the flood.
State investigation findings
Earlier this month, state investigators released a report detailing their initial findings. They found that the camp did not provide adequate training for staff in emergency situations and lacked adequate advance emergency planning. The report also noted that at least 39 adults were present at the camp, in addition to teenage counselors, who could have been tasked to assist with an orderly flood evacuation, but there was no plan for them to do so and no training to prepare them.
Lawsuits and allegations
Several families of victims have filed lawsuits against the camp and the Eastland family, accusing them of gross negligence. Across multiple lawsuits, families describe the tragedy as entirely preventable, alleging that camp leaders ignored known flood risks, failed to implement adequate safety procedures, and failed to protect campers and counselors. One lawsuit, filed on behalf of families of five campers and two counselors, accuses the camp of putting profit over safety by housing campers in cabins in flood-prone areas to avoid relocation costs.
Legal and preservation orders
Earlier this year, a Texas judge ordered camp leaders to preserve the damaged cabins and land affected by the flooding while litigation continues.
Camp's response
An attorney for Camp Mystic stated last year that the camp empathizes with the families and intends to demonstrate that the flood surge far exceeded any previous flood in the area, was unexpected, and that no adequate warning systems existed. The attorney added that they disagree with several accusations and misinformation in legal filings and will respond in due course.
