July 3, 2025

• 1:18 PM: The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for Central Texas just before 2 pm CDT in anticipation of heavy rain Source 
  URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Flood Watch National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX 118 PM CDT Thu Jul 3 2025
  Locally heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding across portions of South Central Texas. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with isolated amounts of 5 to 7 inches are possible. WHERE… A portion of south central Texas, including the following counties, Bandera, Edwards, Kerr, Kinney, Medina, Real, Uvalde and Val Verde. 
  You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.  Source
• 6:10 PM: Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issues the first Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion, warning of excessive rainfall and increasing flash flood potential. Warning of excessive rainfall and increasing flash flood potential.  Source
• 6:22 PM: National Water Center updates outlook, warning of considerable flooding risks north and west of San Antonio, including Kerrville. Flood Risk Warning north and west of San Antonio, including Kerrville.
• 7:58 PM: The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for Central Texas Remains in Effect Until 7 AM on Friday  Source
  Locally heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding across portions of South Central Texas. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with isolated amounts of 5 to 7 inches are possible across the Flood Watch area. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.  Source
• 11:41 PM: First Flash Flood Warning issued: First Flash Flood Warning issued for Bandera County, escalating from a watch to a warning as conditions worsen.  Source

July 4, 2025

• 1:00 AM: Flash Flooding Begins: Severe flash flooding is reported west of Austin and San Antonio, with the threat continuing into the day.
• 1:14 AM: Flash Flood Emergency Issued: South-central Kerr County (including Hunt): Declared a “particularly dangerous situation” with up to 10 inches of rainfall and rates reaching 4 inches/hour. North of San Angelo: Up to 10 inches of rain already fallen with 3–4 inches more expected.
• 4:03 AM: Six Flash Flood Emergencies issued: The first of six Flash Flood Emergencies issued, including for the Guadalupe River corridor from Hunt through Kerrville and Center Point
• 4:35 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reports flooding at low water crossings, confirming ground-level impacts over 3 hours after the 1:14 AM alert.
• 5:00 AM: National Water Center warns of widespread considerable and catastrophic flooding across the Hill Country region.
• 5:34 AM: Second Flash Flood Emergency issued — this time for the Guadalupe River, warning of a “large and deadly flood wave” sweeping through the area.
• 7:00 AM: Kerr County begins evacuating residents near the Guadalupe River in Hunt after 6–7 inches of rain cause major flooding.
• 9:30 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were fatalities, but further information will not be released until next of kin are notified.
• 10:00 AM: Fatalities Confirmed: The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirms “multiple fatalities” due to catastrophic flooding. Public Warning: “The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground.”
• 11:34 AM: Reunification Centers have been setup at Ingram Elementary School, 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025, and The Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St, Kerrville, TX 78028-5319.
• 1:00 PM: Historic Flood Levels: Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly says the flooding has surpassed the flood of 1987, making it the highest flood on record.

Ongoing Water Rescues: Dozens reported.
Mayor’s Plea: Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr.: This came at night when people were asleep in bed. Please pray for our community.”
Camp Mystic Impact: Power, water, and Wi-Fi lost. Statement to parents: If you haven’t been contacted, your daughter is accounted for. “The highway has washed away so we are struggling to get more help.”

• 3:00 PM: Press Conference: Continued Heavy Rainfall: More than a month’s worth of rain falls in San Angelo and surrounding areas. Updated Flash Flood Emergencies:
• Hunt, Kerr County: Now up to 12 inches of rain and still falling.
• Guadalupe River: From Center Point to Sisterdale under emergency.
• Llano River (south of Mason) also impacted by runoff.
• Summer Camps Affected: Several major camps, including Camp Mystic, are likely hit.
  
• 3:08 PM: The Red Cross is assisting with reunification after this devastating flood. If you are missing someone during this emergency, please call 800.733.2767. Source
• 4:45 PM. Evacuation of Camps Underway: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces efforts to evacuate camps. 23 campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. 10 buses ready for reunification once conditions allow.
• 10:00 PM: Updated Death Toll: 24 confirmed dead, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha.
• 23 to 25 campers still missing from Camp Mystic.

Rescued Survivors

July 4, 2025

• 1:00 AM: Flash Flooding Begins: Severe flash flooding is reported west of Austin and San Antonio, with the threat continuing into the day.
• 1:14 AM: Flash Flood Emergency Issued: South-central Kerr County (including Hunt): Declared a “particularly dangerous situation” with up to 10 inches of rainfall and rates reaching 4 inches/hour. North of San Angelo: Up to 10 inches of rain already fallen with 3–4 inches more expected.
• 4:03 AM: Six Flash Flood Emergencies issued: The first of six Flash Flood Emergencies issued, including for the Guadalupe River corridor from Hunt through Kerrville and Center Point
• 4:35 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reports flooding at low water crossings, confirming ground-level impacts over 3 hours after the 1:14 AM alert.
• 5:00 AM: National Water Center warns of widespread considerable and catastrophic flooding across the Hill Country region.
• 5:34 AM: Second Flash Flood Emergency issued — this time for the Guadalupe River, warning of a “large and deadly flood wave” sweeping through the area.
• 7:00 AM: Kerr County begins evacuating residents near the Guadalupe River in Hunt after 6–7 inches of rain cause major flooding.
• 9:30 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were fatalities, but further information will not be released until next of kin are notified.
• 10:00 AM: Fatalities Confirmed: The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirms “multiple fatalities” due to catastrophic flooding. Public Warning: “The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground.”
• 11:34 AM: Reunification Centers have been setup at Ingram Elementary School, 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025, and The Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St, Kerrville, TX 78028-5319.
• 1:00 PM: Historic Flood Levels: Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly says the flooding has surpassed the flood of 1987, making it the highest flood on record.

Ongoing Water Rescues: Dozens reported.
Mayor’s Plea: Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr.: This came at night when people were asleep in bed. Please pray for our community.”
Camp Mystic Impact: Power, water, and Wi-Fi lost. Statement to parents: If you haven’t been contacted, your daughter is accounted for. “The highway has washed away so we are struggling to get more help.”

• 3:00 PM: Press Conference: Continued Heavy Rainfall: More than a month’s worth of rain falls in San Angelo and surrounding areas. Updated Flash Flood Emergencies:
• Hunt, Kerr County: Now up to 12 inches of rain and still falling.
• Guadalupe River: From Center Point to Sisterdale under emergency.
• Llano River (south of Mason) also impacted by runoff.
• Summer Camps Affected: Several major camps, including Camp Mystic, are likely hit.
  
• 3:08 PM: The Red Cross is assisting with reunification after this devastating flood. If you are missing someone during this emergency, please call 800.733.2767. Source
• 4:45 PM. Evacuation of Camps Underway: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces efforts to evacuate camps. 23 campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. 10 buses ready for reunification once conditions allow.
• 7:30 PM: Amanda Philips, 12, and other campers were airlifted from Camp Mystic and reunited with parents early Saturday. Hundreds of campers across camps including Camp Waldemar were evacuated and safely reunited by early Saturday
• 10:00 PM: Updated Death Toll: 24 confirmed dead, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. 23 to 25 campers still missing from Camp Mystic.

July 5, 2025

• 3:00 a.m. New Flash Flood Emergency: Issued for Northwestern Travis County and eastern Burnet County (around Lake Travis).
  Rainfall totals: 3–7 inches already fallen, with 6 inches/hour possible.
  Additional rain of 2–5 inches expected.
• 7:00 AM: Flash Flood Emergency Expanded: Now includes much of Burnet County, western Williamson County, and Travis County as storms persist.
• 8:55 AM: Kerr County Sheriff Office: we have evacuated over 850 uninjured people, 8 injured people, and have recovered 27 deceased. This includes 18 adults and 9 children. Six adults and 1 child are currently unidentified
• 11:36 AM: Over 850 people rescued, including 167 by air using Texas Department of Public Safety helicopters. Search and rescue teams deployed from local, state, and federal agencies, with assistance from volunteer groups.
  3:00 PM: Camp Mystic Update:
• 2 campers confirmed dead.
• 27 campers and one counselor still missing as of mid-day.
• Conditions remain difficult due to washed-out roads and continued high water levels.
  
• 5:30 PM: Confirmed Fatalities Rise: 43 confirmed dead, including 15 children, across Kerr, Kendall, Kimble, and Travis Counties. Officials warn that the death toll may increase as search teams reach isolated areas. Governor’s Statement: Texas Governor Greg Abbott calls the flood “one of the most devastating flash flood disasters in state history.” He signs a statewide disaster declaration covering multiple counties and requests federal assistance. Source
• Evening: Search Area Expanded: Efforts continue along the Guadalupe River, Llano River, and nearby tributaries. National Guard assets including boats and high-water vehicles are deployed to locate the missing. Over 850 people rescued, including 167 by helicopter, from floodwaters through Saturday
• At least 32 deaths confirmed, including young Camp Mystic campers:
• Lila Bonner (8 years old) Dallas (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Eloise Peck – confirmed found dead alongside Lila Bonner
• Janie Hunt – identified by family after being found at Camp Mystic
• Renee Smajstrla (8 years old) – confirmed deceased
• Sarah Marsh (8 years old)- confirmed deceased
• Anna Margaret Bellows (8 years old) Houston (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Dick Eastland– camp director death not officially confirmed

July 6, 2025

• 9:00 AM: Update: we have recovered 59 deceased in Kerr County. Among the those who are deceased, we have 38 adults and 21 children. Eighteen adults pending identification, and 4 children also pending identification. At present, there are 11 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, along with one counselor. Our missing person call center is open for those reporting missing loved ones. That phone number is 830.258.1111. Those wishing to make cash donations, please use the Community Foundation Flood Relief Fund at https://tinyurl.com/KerrFloodRelief  Source
• 10:00 AM: Death Toll Reaches At Least 59: Includes 21 children. Disaster declaration: Trump signs disaster declaration for Kerr County Source
• Fatalities span multiple counties including Kerr, Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Kimble, and Tom Green.
• Some victims were swept away in their homes or vehicles overnight while sleeping.
• Camp Mystic Status: 11 campers and 1 counselor remain missing. Parents gather at reunification centers in Ingram Middle School and Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville, awaiting news.
• Governor Abbott Declares Day of Prayer: Sunday, July 6 is designated as a statewide Day of Prayer to honor the victims and missing.
• Rescue Becomes Recovery: Search teams begin transitioning from active rescues to recovery operations, especially in hard-hit areas near Hunt, Center Point, and Camp Mystic.
• Investigation Begins: National Weather Service, emergency managers, and state officials begin analyzing the sequence of meteorological and hydrological failures that led to the catastrophic event.
• Preliminary findings suggest:
• Saturated terrain unable to absorb rainfall
• Rapid terrain runoff due to steep hills and thin soil
• Flash flood alerts may not have reached sleeping residents in time
• 1:30PM: Update: We have recovered 68 deceased in Kerr County. Among those who are deceased, we have 40 adults and 28 children. Eighteen adults are pending identification, and 10 children also pending identification. At present, there are 10 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, along with one counselor. We continue to offer our condolences to those affected, and we are working tirelessly to reunite families. Source
• 3:00 PM Update: Fatalities & Missing Persons
• Kerr County: 68 confirmed fatalities 40 adults, 28 children with 28 bodies still undergoing identification
• Camp Mystic: 10 campers and 1 counselor remain missing
• Statewide: At least 78 fatalities, including 10 in other parts of Texas
• Search & Rescue Operations: 24/7 rescue effort is ongoing with local, state, and federal teams, including air, water, K9, drone, and Coast Guard thermal imaging support . More than 850 individuals have been rescued so far.
• 3:15 PM: The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning valid through 6:30 p.m., warning of “dangerous and life‑threatening” conditions. Death toll rose to 51, including at least 15 children
• Chloe Childress– Houston – Kincaid School- camp counselor (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Janie Hunt- Dallas– Highland Park ISD – (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Lainey Landry– 9-Houston (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Sarah Marsh -Mountain Brook, AL- death officially confirmed
• Linnie McCown– 8- Austin- Casis Elementary -(Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Wynne Naylor– 8 – Dallas- Lake Highlands Elementary School (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Eloise Peck– 8- Dallas- Bradfield Elementary – (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Renee Smajstrla – Ingram, TX (Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Mary Stevens – Austin- Highland Park Elementary-(Bubble Inn) death officially confirmed
• Hanna Lawrence – 8 – death officially confirmed on July 7, 2025
• Rebecca Lawrence-8 – death officially confirmed on July 7, 2025
• Hadley Hanna – 8-Dallas – death officially confirmed on July 8, 2025
• Still Missing:
• Mary Grace Baker– 8- Beaumont, TX -St Anne Catholic School (Twins)
• Molly Dewitt-8- Houston (Bubble Inn)
• Ellen Getten -8- Houston (Bubble Inn)
• Virginia Hollis – (Twins 2)
• Kellyanne Lytal – 8-San Antonio, TX (Twins 1)
• Blakely McCrory – 8- Houston- Memorial Lutheran School (Twins 1)
• Abby Pohl – Austin (Bubble Inn)
• Margaret Sheedy – Houston- The Kincaid School (Twins 2)
• Cile Steward – Austin
• Greta Toranzo -10- Houston- Sinclair Elementary School
• Katherine Ferruzzo– camp counselor (Bubble Inn)
• 6:14 PM: Update: There was additional rain in the upper Guadalupe basin this afternoon, leading to a rise in Johnson Creek. This water may lead to a rise of 1-2ft downstream when it enters the Guadalupe river in Ingram. Please be aware if you are near the Guadalupe River or Johnson Creek. lease follow the City of Kerrville – Police Department, City of Kerrville, TX – City Hall, or this page for verified information. Source
• 11 campers and one counselor still missing at Camp Mystic. 
• Found Safe: Annie Flack and Emma Moreau- camp counselor
• Fatalities: At least 68 people confirmed dead, including 28 children. 18 adults and 10 children pending identification.
• Kerr County: 59 deaths (18 adults, 28 children)
• Travis: 4 deaths
• Burnet: 3 deaths
• Kendall: 2 deaths
• Tom Green: 1 death

July 7, 2024

• 8:30 AM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Update: we have recovered 75 deceased in Kerr County, including 48 adults and 27 children. Fifteen adults and 9 children are pending identification. At present, there are 10 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, and one counselor. We continue to offer our condolences to those affected. Reuniting families remains our top priority. Highway 39 west of Old Ingram Loop remains closed to the public, other than those who live in the closure area. Source
• The Family have confirmed that Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence’s did not make it.
• 10:00 AM: Press Conference Current fatalities stand at 75 people, 48 adults and 27 children. Identification is pending on 10 adults and 9 children.  Source
• 5:16 PM: Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Update: As of 2 p.m. Central time, 84 deceased have been recovered in Kerr County, including 56 adults and 28 children. Identification is pending for 22 adults and 10 children. At present, 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for. We’re asking private boat owners to stay off the Guadalupe River and its tributaries at this time to allow search and rescue teams to operate without interference. Source
• 5:33 PM: a private drone illegally operating in restricted airspace collided with a helicopter involved in emergency operations in Kerr County. The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing, and a critical piece of response equipment is now out of service until further notice. Source

July 8, 2025

• 10:00 AM: Press Conference: Current fatalities stand at 87, 51 adults and 36 children with Pending identification of 19 adults and 7 children. Reporters were asking hard questions that were left unanswered as the recovery is a priority at this time.  Source 
• 3:00 PM: Governor Abbott Press Conference. There will be no City of Kerrville/Kerr County 5 p.m. press conference today. Update: 161 missing.  Source

July 9, 2025

• 9:00 AM: Central time, 95 deceased have been recovered in Kerr County, including 59 adults and 36 children. Identification is pending for 14 adults and 13 children. At present, 5 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for. Officials report there are 161 missing people in the Kerr County area. Source

Alert System Investigation & New Revelations Source

• CBS News Reports on CodeRED Delay: Archived audio reveals that at 4:22 a.m. on July 4, volunteer firefighters in Hunt repeatedly requested activation of the CodeRED emergency alert system to notify residents of rising floodwaters .
• Authorization Roadblock Slowed Response: Dispatch recordings show the alert was delayed because dispatchers awaited supervisor approval, even as water levels continued to surge—and people were swept from vehicles and RVs ().
• First CodeRED Message Sent Too Late: The first verbal CodeRED alert didn’t go out until 4:49 a.m., well after the fatal surge began; rescue operations were already in progress by 5:11 a.m.

Recovery and Rescue Operations:

• 161 missing, 95 deceased, 59 adults and 36 children. – 14 adults and 13 children are pending identification.
• Over 850 people rescued, including 167 by helicopter

July 10, 2025

• Press Conference Update: Current fatalities stand at 96 – 60 adults and 36 children. Missing people remained at 161.  Source
• FEMA, SBA and the State of Texas Opened Disaster Recovery Center in Kerrville:

Kerr County First Baptist Church
625 Washington St Kerrville, TX 78028

REPORT THE MISSING:

• To report a missing person, call 830-258-1111. Also, send photos and descriptions of missing individuals, including identifier markers such as tattoos, scars, hair style, painted fingernails, piercings, etc. to: [email protected].

Information

• For verified information, please follow the Kerr County, Texas or Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Facebook pages.

Background on Camp Mystic and Known Flood Risks

Ownership & History

• Camp Mystic is a privately owned summer camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas.
• It was originally established in 1939 by earlier generations of the Eastland family.
• In 1974, Richard “Dick” Eastland and his wife Willetta Eastland became the camp’s executive directors and directly took over day-to-day operations.

Known Flood Risks Since 1932

• The lawsuit alleges that Camp Mystic had known since at least July 1932 that the cabins housing the youngest girls were situated in a known flood zone and directly in the path of rising waters from the Guadalupe River.
• Despite this knowledge, no warning or disclosure was ever made to the parents of children attending the camp.
• The complaint describes this conduct as a repeated “game of Russian Roulette” in which Camp Mystic risked the lives of “defenseless little girls” summer after summer by leaving those cabins in place.

“Since July 1932, Camp Mystic knew that cabins that housed defenseless little girls sat in the bullseye of potential flood waters from the Guadalupe River and never said a word about it to trusting parents.”
– Peck v. Camp Mystic, Original Petition

• This lack of action continued despite repeated historical floods, including documented events in 1932, 1978, 1984, and 1987, that should have confirmed the site’s vulnerability.

Known Pattern of Flooding in the Guadalupe River Basin

• Camp Mystic has been located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, since at least 1932. The lawsuit details a long-standing pattern of flooding and known hazards that were allegedly ignored by camp leadership for decades. 

July 1932 – First Major Flood Event

• A massive flood swept through Camp Mystic and the surrounding Guadalupe River area.
• Several camp cabins were destroyed, and personal belongings were swept away.
• Campers were inside the mess hall during lunch. The director ordered an evacuation to higher ground moments before floodwaters inundated the mess hall.
• Water reached approximately one foot deep inside the hall.
• Officials and Camp Mystic staff acknowledged that had the flood occurred at night, there likely would have been fatalities.
• Several deaths occurred in the region due to the same flooding event.
• Key Allegation: This event placed Camp Mystic on clear notice of the flood danger to children in its care.

August 1978 – Fatal Kerr County Flood

• Severe flooding killed 33 people in Kerr County.
• Over 100 Camp Mystic campers had to be evacuated using station wagons in the middle of the night.
• Vehicles belonging to Camp Mystic staff were swept into the river.
• Camp Mystic itself was severely damaged and suspended activities for several days.
• The flood exceeded a 100-year recurrence interval.
• Key Allegation: Another clear warning of the floodplain danger, further underscoring failure to relocate or rebuild. 
  

Summer 1984 – Flood & Medical Emergency

• Flooding again hit Camp Mystic and the surrounding area.
• Roads were cut off, trapping staff and campers.
• Willetta Eastland had a medical emergency but couldn’t be evacuated by road and had to be airlifted by helicopter.
• Key Allegation: Reinforced that flooding blocked escape routes and that campers could be stranded.

July 16, 1987 – Fatal Flash Flood at Nearby Pot O’ Gold Ranch

• Just miles from Camp Mystic, a catastrophic flood killed 10 campers at Pot O’ Gold Ranch.
• The incident occurred during a rushed night-time evacuation.
• A bus carrying campers was swept downstream.
• National headlines warned of the deadly risks of youth camps near the Guadalupe River.
• Key Allegation: This tragedy further served as a direct warning to Camp Mystic leadership.

1990s–1999 – Faulty Flood Warning System

• A Kerr County flood warning system was established following the 1987 flood.
• Richard “Dick” Eastland served on the Upper Guadalupe River Authority board.
• By 1999, the warning system was deemed outdated and unreliable.
• Eastland knew the system was broken but did not install a backup system at Camp Mystic.
• Key Allegation: Failure to implement independent flood warning measures despite direct knowledge of system inadequacies.

Undated (Pre-2025) – Prior Lawsuit

• Minority shareholders (Eastland family members) testified in a legal dispute that some parts of Camp Mystic were unfit for use “because it floods.”
• Key Allegation: Camp management had insider warnings about flood dangers but failed to act.

Historic flooding hits Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas.

• Guadalupe River surges, overwhelming the camp overnight.
• 27 people die: 25 young campers, 2 counselors, and 70-year-old camp director Richard “Dick” Eastland.
• Camp Mystic becomes the only sleepaway camp in the region where campers lost their lives during the Hill Country flood event.
• More than 130 total deaths occur across Central Texas.

Camp Mystic Flood Lawsuits & Allegations of Gross Negligence Source

Two wrongful death lawsuits filed Monday in Travis County District Court represent eight of the 27 people who died in the July 4 flood at Camp Mystic, alleging camp leadership prioritized profits over safety and ordered campers to remain in flood-prone cabins despite warnings of “life threatening flash flooding.”

The lawsuits name Camp Mystic LLC, the Eastland family members who owned and operated the camp, and related corporate entities as defendants. They seek unspecified damages and allege negligence, gross negligence, premises liability and violations of state youth camp safety regulations.

July 2, 2025

• Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) issued a press release, stating it “activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of increased threats of flooding in parts of West and Central Texas heading into the holiday weekend.” Source

July 3, 2025

• 1:18 p.m National Weather Service (NWS) timeline, a flood watch was issued at 1:18 p.m. on July 3, 2025, for areas including Kerr County Source
• Throughout the Day – Rain begins to fall in the region.
• Camp Mystic does not alter or cancel scheduled activities.
• The camp remains operational despite repeated past flooding events and its location in a known FEMA-designated floodplain and floodway
• Evening–Night – Teenage counselors and campers reportedly begin to notice increasing water levels.
• In Giggle Box, a counselor spots older girls evacuating their cabin. She is instructed to stay put but later disregards orders to save her group by climbing out a window

July 4, 2024 – Catastrophic Flood Event

• 1:14 a.m. National Weather Service issues a warning for life-threatening flooding.
• The warning is received by camp leadership, including Director Richard “Dick” Eastland
• 1:44 a.m. Richard and Edward Eastland meet and, instead of initiating evacuation, allegedly instruct groundskeepers to secure camp equipment for over an hour.
• No evacuation orders are given at this time, according to legal filings.
• 2:20 a.m. Counselors reportedly ask Eastlands for help, stating that water is entering cabins near the river.
• According to complaints, they are told to have the girls stay put.
• 2:30 a.m. Some girls begin to self-evacuate to Rec Hall, with limited help from Richard and Edward Eastland transporting girls in vehicles.
• Only 5 of 11 flood-risk cabins are evacuated within the first hour, according to court documents.
• 3:51 a.m. Camp Director Richard Eastland attempts to drive campers from Bubble Inn to safety in his SUV.
• The vehicle is washed away by floodwaters. All occupants perish, including Eastland and multiple campers.

November 10, 2024 – First Round of Lawsuits Filed

• Families of five campers and two counselors file a gross negligence lawsuit against Camp Mystic and its owners.
• The suit accuses the camp of:
• Placing profit over safety
• Keeping children in known flood zones
• Failing to evacuate even after flood warnings
• Issuing no meaningful guidance or instructions
• Launching a delayed and inadequate rescue
• Named victims in the first complaint:
• Campers: Margaret, Lila, Molly, Lainey, Blakely (all third-graders)
• Counselors: Chloe and Katherine (college freshmen)
• Additional Complaints Filed
• Lawsuits also filed on behalf of:
• Eloise “Lulu” Peck, age 8
• Ellen Getten, age 9
• Virginia “Wynne” Naylor
• Hadley Hanna
• Jane “Janie” Hunt
• Lucy Dillon
• Kellyanne Lytal
• Virginia Hollis

Key Allegations from the Complaints

• Camp Mystic kept campers in cabins (Bubble Inn and Twins) that were not evacuated despite the proximity of safer shelters just 300 feet away.
• Camp leaders made a “hopeless rescue effort” only after the situation turned deadly.
• No emergency instruction was given to campers, even though Texas law requires it and the camp had passed a safety inspection two days earlier.

Statements from Plaintiffs’ Attorneys

• Mark Lanier, attorney for the families:
• “These six families entrusted Camp Mystic with the lives of their 8-and 9-year-old daughters, but the owners failed in every conceivable way.”

Camp Mystic Response

• Camp Mystic legal counsel Jeff Ray stated:
• They disagree with several allegations.
• Emphasized that the flooding was:
• “An unprecedented, once-in-a-thousand-year event.”
• Claimed no adequate flood warning systems existed in the area.
• Asserted that the camp leaders successfully evacuated 166 girls.

Legislative Response

• Texas Senate Bill 1 – “Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act” is signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in the aftermath of the tragedy.
• Intended to strengthen emergency planning and protocols at youth camps.

Future Plans

• Camp Mystic Guadalupe location will not reopen for the 2026 summer season due to the damage.
• Another Camp Mystic campus is expected to reopen.

July 3, 2025

Morning

• NWS Austin/San Antonio conducts forecast briefings for emergency management officials, highlighting potential for flash flooding.
• National Water Center (NWC) issues a Flood Hazard Outlook, identifying Kerrville and surrounding areas as being at risk for flash flooding.

1:18 PM

• NWS issues a Flood Watch for Kerr County, effective through Friday morning the first broad-scale warning for the region.

6:10 PM

• Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issues the first Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion, warning of excessive rainfall and increasing flash flood potential.

6:22 PM

• National Water Center updates outlook, warning of considerable flooding risks north and west of San Antonio, including Kerrville.

11:41 PM

• First Flash Flood Warning issued for Bandera County, escalating from a watch to a warning as conditions worsen.

July 4, 2025

1:14 AM

• Flash Flood Warning with a “Considerable” damage threat tag issued for Bandera and Kerr Counties.
• Triggers Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) and NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, alerting the public of imminent danger.

4:03 AM

• Warning escalated to a Flash Flood Emergency for south-central Kerr County, including Hunt signaling a rare and life-threatening situation.
• NWS labels it a “Particularly Dangerous Situation.”

4:35 AM

• Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reports flooding at low water crossings, confirming ground-level impacts over 3 hours after the 1:14 AM alert.

5:00 AM

• National Water Center warns of widespread considerable and catastrophic flooding across the Hill Country region.

5:34 AM

• Second Flash Flood Emergency issued — this time for the Guadalupe River, warning of a “large and deadly flood wave” sweeping through the area.

Rainfall Totals

• Local rainfall reached 15–20 inches in just 24 hours, with more than 12 inches falling on July 4 alone

River Surge

• The Guadalupe River spiked by ~22 feet in 2 hours, peaking near 29 feet, marking a catastrophic surge