Camp Mystic Files for Bankruptcy After Deadly Texas Flood Killed 28 People

Camp Mystic, the Texas girls’ summer camp where 28 people died during catastrophic flash flooding on July 4, 2025, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, less than a year after one of the deadliest youth camp disasters in recent U.S. history.

The filing was submitted in the Southern District of Texas on June 24, 2026, only days after Texas lawmakers released an investigation into the tragedy. Court records show Camp Mystic LLC reported debts exceeding $10 million, with estimated liabilities ranging from $10 million to $50 million and assets between $1 million and $10 million.

The bankruptcy petition estimates between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors and classifies the case as a “complex” Chapter 11 proceeding, reflecting both the scale of the financial claims and the large number of parties expected to be involved.

Bankruptcy Filing Comes After Damning State Report

The timing of the filing is significant because it follows the release of a Texas legislative investigation that concluded Camp Mystic lacked an adequate emergency plan for the flooding that unfolded during the early morning hours of July 4, 2025.

Investigators found that camp leaders failed to prepare for or promptly evacuate campers despite weather warnings and opportunities to act before conditions became critical. The report also criticized the camp’s reunification efforts and incident management after the disaster, describing aspects of the response as chaotic.

The bankruptcy documents name Edward Eastland as manager of Camp Mystic LLC. His father, Dick Eastland, the camp’s longtime co-executive director, died during rescue efforts as floodwaters overwhelmed parts of the property.

Three affiliated entities were also included in the bankruptcy proceedings: Natural Fountains Properties Inc., Mystic Camps Family Partnership Ltd. and Mystic Camps Management LLC.

How the Deadly Flood Unfolded

Camp Mystic, located in Kerr County about 80 miles northwest of San Antonio, sat directly in the path of rapidly rising floodwaters after intense rainfall struck Texas Hill Country.

According to the investigation, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch at 1:18 p.m. on July 3, 2025. Camp activities continued as normal throughout the day. At 1:14 a.m. on July 4, a flash flood warning was issued for the area, including Camp Mystic.

By 1:45 a.m., Dick Eastland had radioed his son Edward and grounds crews to move equipment. At 2:11 a.m., a night watchman reported flooding concerns, and just minutes later Edmunson/Bubble Gum Creek became impassable.

At 2:30 a.m., counselors from Bug House and Look Inn reported water entering cabins. Three minutes later, Dick Eastland texted his wife, Tweety, saying more than four inches of rain had already fallen.

Three Evacuation Attempts Before Conditions Became Catastrophic

The state investigation outlined a detailed timeline showing how quickly conditions deteriorated.

At approximately 3 a.m., Dick Eastland radioed, “We need to start getting the girls out of Bug House” and Look Inn.

Between 3:11 a.m. and 3:19 a.m., Bug House, Look Inn and Hang Out were evacuated to Rec Hall by vehicle. This first evacuation effort successfully moved around 50 campers and counselors to safety while less than an inch of water covered the road.

A second evacuation effort followed between 3:20 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. Tumble Inn I and II were evacuated by vehicle while Jumble House campers were directed to walk. Water had risen to ankle depth.

During this period, 10-year-old Greta Toranzo was reportedly last seen returning to a cabin to retrieve an item. She later died in the floodwaters.

Seven cabins still remained in need of evacuation.

Between 3:30 a.m. and 3:40 a.m., water levels rose to knee depth. Nut Hut and Chatterbox self-evacuated uphill while staff attempted to reach other cabins.

Dick Eastland drove toward Bubble Inn while Edward Eastland assisted campers at Twins I and II. The camp’s night watchman helped evacuate Giggle Box and Wiggle Inn.

Moments later, Dick Eastland radioed an urgent request for help, reporting that he was trapped against a tree with campers in his vehicle.

By 3:51 a.m., he was submerged by floodwaters.

28 Lives Lost in the Disaster

The flood ultimately killed 25 campers, two counselors and Dick Eastland.

Among the victims were May Grace Baker, Margaret Bellows, Lila Bonner, Molly DeWitt, Lucy Dillon, Ellen Getten, Hadley Hanna, Virginia Hollis, Janie Hunt, Mary Kate Jacobe, Lainey Landry, Hanna Lawrence, Rebecca Lawrence, Kellyanne Lytal, Sarah Marsh, Linnie McCown, Blakely McCrory, Wynne Naylor, Eloise Peck, Abby Pohl, Margaret Sheedy, Renee Smajstrla, Mary Barrett Stevens, Greta Toranzo and Cecilia “Cile” Steward.

Camp counselors Chloe Childress and Katherine Ferruzzo also died during the flooding.

Investigators found that 13 campers and two counselors from Bubble Inn died during rescue efforts. Eleven campers from Twins I and II also lost their lives.

As of June 18, 2026, rescuers had still not located Cile Steward.

Why Camp Mystic Did Not Reopen

Camp Mystic initially planned to reopen for the 2026 summer season. However, those plans faced mounting opposition from some victims’ families, public criticism and challenges related to state licensing requirements.

In May, the Eastland family announced the camp would remain closed.

The closure marked a dramatic turn for an institution that had operated for generations and was widely known among Texas families.

The Chapter 11 bankruptcy process will likely become the primary venue for resolving claims tied to the disaster. While bankruptcy does not determine liability, it may influence how compensation claims are handled and how available assets are distributed among creditors and victims’ families.

The tragedy has also renewed debate about whether youth camps located near rivers and flood-prone areas should face stricter emergency planning requirements. Those concerns have become increasingly common as Texas communities experience more severe weather events, including recent flash flooding in San Antonio that created dangerous travel conditions, submerged vehicles and widespread disruptions.

Additional flood preparedness guidance is available through the National Weather Service, which warns that flash floods remain among the most dangerous weather emergencies because water levels can rise within minutes.

As the bankruptcy case moves forward, the findings from the state investigation are expected to remain central to discussions about accountability, camp safety standards and whether earlier action could have prevented one of Texas’ most heartbreaking flood tragedies.

Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.