Daijiworld Media Network – Texas
Texas, Mar 5: In a significant development in the aftermath of the devastating July 4 floods that struck the Texas Hill Country last year, a judge has restrained Camp Mystic from altering structures at the site where the tragedy unfolded, while allowing limited operations elsewhere.
State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble on Wednesday granted a temporary injunction preventing modifications to buildings that housed campers during the flooding at Camp Mystic, located along the Guadalupe River.
The order came during a packed courtroom hearing in Travis County, following a petition filed by Will and CiCi Steward, parents of eight-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward, who lost her life in the disaster. Cile’s body has not yet been recovered.
As per the court’s direction, the old Guadalupe grounds — including the commissary, recreation hall and main office — will be sealed off. However, construction activity may continue in areas outside those premises.
The catastrophic flooding in Kerr County claimed the lives of 25 girls, two counsellors and the camp’s owner, besides over 130 fatalities reported across the wider region.
The Stewards had sought a complete halt to the camp’s reopening plans for the summer and requested that all construction be stopped to preserve crucial evidence. In their plea, they argued that ongoing remodeling work could compromise material evidence even as the search for their daughter continues.
Judge Gamble ruled that the injunction would remain in effect while the lawsuit is pending.
During the hearing, Edward Eastland, director of the Guadalupe camp at the time, testified that some buildings had already undergone repairs and remodeling. He admitted that cabins were not equipped with walkie-talkies and that although security cameras were installed, no one was actively monitoring them when the flooding began overnight.
Brad Beckworth, counsel for the Stewards, said the court had effectively granted their restraining request, clarifying that the Guadalupe River side of the camp would not reopen until evidentiary processes are completed.
Will Steward welcomed the decision, stating that preserving the site was essential to understanding how the tragedy occurred and ensuring future campers are never placed in similar danger.
Representing the camp and the Eastland family, attorney Mikal Watts said he was satisfied with the ruling, noting that the camp had already agreed to preserve evidence and implement structural separation to keep children away from the river area during summer sessions.
Camp Mystic’s Cypress Lake facility, described as independent from the older Guadalupe site, is reportedly set to operate this summer, with 853 campers enrolled as of Tuesday. The camp earlier said it had enhanced safety measures, including installation of flood monitoring units.
Meanwhile, families of nine victims have filed a separate lawsuit against the state, alleging failure to enforce evacuation plan requirements. Last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged the Department of State Health Services to withhold the camp’s operating licence until legislative probes conclude.
Responding to the letter, Camp Mystic maintained that its Cypress Lake location complies with updated state camp safety laws and is not situated near the Guadalupe River, adding that it suffered no significant damage during the floods.