Texas camp where 27 died in floods files for bankruptcy

Camp Mystic, a Christian camp for girls in Texas, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, almost a year after devastating floods claimed the lives of 25 campers and two teenage counselors. The disaster occurred on July 4 last year along the Guadalupe River.

The camp had intended to reopen this summer to mark its 100th anniversary. However, this plan was abandoned in April due to significant backlash from the families of the victims. These families have filed lawsuits, alleging that the camp failed to adequately protect the girls as the floodwaters rose.

Richard Eastland, the owner of Camp Mystic, also perished in the flood. The camp's bankruptcy filing in federal court in Houston lists its debt at over $10 million. An attorney for the camp has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Lawyers representing multiple families of the deceased campers and counselors emphasized that the bankruptcy proceedings will not shield responsible parties from accountability. "Bankruptcy will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable," said Paul Yetter, a lawyer for the families. "These innocent girls deserve justice."

For decades, Camp Mystic was a cherished summer institution. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Eastland family had expressed determination to reopen, citing enhanced safety measures. However, state regulators identified numerous deficiencies in the camp's emergency operations plan, including inadequate flood warning and evacuation procedures, and poorly trained staff. These findings, coupled with victim families' testimonies, ultimately led to the decision not to reopen.

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Bankruptcy will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable. These innocent girls deserve justice.