AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — In the aftermath of the tragic flood that resulted in the deaths of 27 girls last year at Camp Mystic, the camp’s medical officer, Mary Liz Eastland, disclosed on Tuesday that she has yet to report these deaths to the state health agency responsible for regulating camps, which is currently reviewing the camp's application to reopen this summer.
Mary Liz Eastland, a member of the family that owns and operates Camp Mystic, was interrogated during legal proceedings involving camp operators and the families of the victims who are advocating for the preservation of evidence from the disaster site. The hearings have begun to unravel significant details surrounding the catastrophic events of the July 4 flood on the Guadalupe River, particularly the delayed evacuation that exacerbated the situation.
While the tragic deaths of 25 campers and two counselors are not disputed, Texas law mandates that camp directors report fatalities to state health authorities within 24 hours.
I did not think of this requirement in the moments that followed the flood, Eastland admitted, indicating she had not reported the deaths prior to the camp’s March 31 application for licensing to reopen.
Eastland mentioned she was unclear on when she first learned about the fatalities, suggesting it could have been a day or more post-flood. Her father-in-law was also among the deceased.
When questioned about whether she would now formally report the deaths with the camp's license under review, she responded, I guess so.
The implications of her failure to report remain uncertain as state officials evaluate the camp’s licensing application against a backdrop of numerous complaints and an ongoing investigation by state lawmakers and the Texas Rangers.
Families of the victims, particularly that of 8-year-old Cile Steward, who remains missing, have voiced outrage over the decision to potentially reopen the camp and have called for accountability from the Eastland family. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has publicly stated that no license should be issued until investigations conclude.
Mary Liz Eastland’s testimony came on the heels of her husband Edward's interrogation about critical decisions made during the flood response. He recounted emotional experiences of trying to save campers as the floodwaters surged through the camp.
As the hearings continue, the poignant testimony highlights the desperate circumstances that unfolded during the flood, prompting an urgent reevaluation of safety measures and protocols at Camp Mystic.
