The head of the Texas summer camp where a tragic flood claimed the lives of 27 campers and counselors last year testified on Monday that he was unaware of official warnings issued the day before the disaster struck. Edward Eastland, in his detailed testimony, revealed the camp’s response as floodwaters surged along the Guadalupe River, resulting in the tragic events on July 4, 2025. Emotions ran high as Eastland admitted that lives could have been saved with quicker action, although he maintained that the storm’s severity was not anticipated.
Eastland conceded that the Christian girls camp lacked a comprehensive written flood evacuation plan, and he acknowledged that better decisions could have been made by him, his father Richard Eastland, and the camp’s safety director to evacuate sooner. The devastating storms, occurring overnight, claimed the lives of 25 young girls aged between eight and ten, two teenage female counselors, and Richard Eastland.
Cici Steward, whose daughter Cile remains missing, expressed her belief that the camp’s license should be revoked, emphasizing their failure to ensure children’s safety. Tragically, the flash flooding across Texas claimed the lives of at least 136 individuals along a stretch of the Guadalupe River.
During the civil lawsuit hearing against Camp Mystic, Eastland mentioned being subscribed to an emergency warning system on phones but admitted to missing flood watch alerts from the National Weather Service and Texas Department of Emergency Management. Despite having access to local weather alerts, Eastland believed the existing systems were sufficient. The National Weather Service warning on July 3 highlighted the risk of flash flooding in various areas, including those on the camp’s premises.
The testimony further revealed that Eastland’s father usually monitored weather conditions, and no formal discussion or meeting regarding the alerts took place among the staff that day. The attorney representing the Steward family pointed out that adequate warnings were issued, implying that the tragedy could have been averted.
As events unfolded, a counselor described the night’s horror, recounting the escalating water levels and the desperate attempts to protect the children before being swept away. Eastland emotionally recounted his own efforts to save individuals before being overwhelmed by the floodwaters.
As the hearing continues, investigations into the camp owners are ongoing, with multiple lawsuits filed by victims’ families. Despite the tragic incident, Camp Mystic is seeking license renewal to reopen in a safer, elevated location.