AUSTIN, Texas — During an emotional legislative hearing on Tuesday, a Camp Mystic director delivered a heartfelt apology to families whose loved ones perished in last year’s catastrophic flood at the Texas Hill Country facility.
Edward Eastland, part of the family that operates the century-old all-girls Christian retreat situated along the Guadalupe River, spoke through tears as he addressed the relatives of 25 young campers and 2 counselors who lost their lives.
“We tried our hardest that night. It wasn’t enough to save your daughters,” Eastland stated. “I’m so sorry.”
His emotional remarks occurred during the second day of special legislative proceedings examining the tragic July 4 flooding incident, with dozens of bereaved family members seated nearby. Officials anticipate releasing a comprehensive findings report before year’s end.
According to Eastland’s testimony, both he and his father Richard were present at the facility when torrential rainfall created dangerous flood conditions that swept through the riverside campgrounds. The elder Eastland perished in the disaster, while Edward managed to survive after floodwaters carried him into a tree.
“These girls (who died) were our youngest campers and their amazing counselors who we watched grow up,” Eastland explained. “The world was a better place with them in it and the anger at us for not being able to keep them safe is completely reasonable.”
Fellow director Britt Eastland announced plans to implement comprehensive emergency preparedness measures, including staff training and practice exercises covering floods, fires, severe weather, and security threats. Legislative investigators had previously identified inadequate emergency protocols as a significant factor contributing to the fatalities.
“All of these things should have been being done in the first place,” remarked Sen. Charles Perry.
Testimony from affected families is scheduled for later today.
The camp’s ownership intends to resume operations in late May, utilizing only areas that remained unaffected by flooding. They anticipate hosting nearly 900 participants this summer. However, these reopening plans have drawn criticism from victims’ relatives, with several state leaders urging regulators to reject or postpone the facility’s license renewal, which remains under evaluation.
The state Legislature won’t reconvene until January 2027, and this investigative committee lacks authority over the camp’s licensing process.
