Camp Mystic Flood Tragedy: Testimony Reveals Critical Failures in Emergency Response
The legal battle surrounding the 2025 Camp Mystic flood has intensified following emotional testimony from a former staff member. During a hearing in the 459th State District Court in Austin on April 15, 2026, security guard Glenn Juenke detailed a chaotic scene where a lack of formal emergency planning and delayed evacuation orders contributed to a disaster that claimed 27 lives.
The Night of the Flood: July 4, 2025
The tragedy occurred in the predawn hours of July 4, 2025, when the Guadalupe River swept through Camp Mystic. According to testimony provided by Glenn Juenke, the camp lacked a detailed emergency plan, leaving staff and campers unprepared for the rising waters.
Juenke testified that he took independent action to save lives, including:
- Moving a group of girls to a two-story building.
- Ordering a group of campers to run to higher ground as floodwaters rose.
- Instructing campers trapped in a cabin to use air mattresses to stay afloat for several hours.
Despite these efforts, Juenke himself became trapped in a cabin as the flood intensified.
Systemic Failures in Safety and Planning
The testimony highlighted a significant gap between the camp’s operational procedures and the reality of the emergency. Juenke stated that camp operators failed to train staff and campers on emergency evacuation procedures. The only guidance available was a short notice posted in cabins instructing occupants to stay put until they received further instructions.
Juenke acknowledged that a general evacuation order issued early in the storm could have saved lives, suggesting that the delay in ordering everyone to evacuate their cabins was a critical failure.
Key Takeaways from the Testimony
- Casualties: The flood resulted in 27 fatalities, including young children and counselors.
- Lack of Training: Staff and campers received no formal training on evacuation protocols.
- Conflicting Instructions: Posted notices told campers to stay put, which contradicted the urgent need to reach higher ground.
- Delayed Response: The absence of an early, general evacuation order is cited as a primary factor in the loss of life.
The Fight Over Reopening
The disaster has sparked a contentious legal battle over the future of Camp Mystic. The camp has expressed plans to reopen this summer, a move that has angered victims’ families. Among those attending the April hearings were CiCi and Will Steward, who lost their 8-year-old daughter, Cile Steward, in the flood.
Currently, the camp’s license remains under review by state regulators as the court considers the evidence of negligence and the adequacy of the camp’s safety measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Camp Mystic flood?
The 2025 flood at Camp Mystic resulted in 27 fatalities, including children and counselors.
What was the primary criticism regarding the camp’s emergency response?
The primary criticisms include the lack of a detailed emergency plan, failure to train staff and campers on evacuation, and the failure to issue a prompt, general evacuation order.
What is the current status of Camp Mystic?
The camp has plans to reopen, but its license is currently under review by state regulators following a series of legal hearings in April 2026.