AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The medical officer for the Texas summer camp where 27 girls lost their lives in a catastrophic flood last year testified on Tuesday that she has yet to officially report these deaths to the state health agency responsible for regulating camps.
Mary Liz Eastland, part of the family that owns and manages Camp Mystic, faced intense questioning over the camp's tragic history in a courtroom dispute involving the camp operators and families of the deceased, who filed lawsuits demanding that the camp preserve compromised areas as evidence. The hearing has unveiled the most comprehensive account from camp management regarding the events of the July 4 disaster on the Guadalupe River, particularly the delayed evacuation decisions leading to the fatalities.
The confirmed deaths of 25 campers and two teenage counselors have been widely reported; however, Texas regulations dictate that camps must notify state health regulators of deaths within 24 hours. Eastland acknowledged, I did not think of this requirement in the moments happening after the flood, adding she neglected to report the deaths ahead of the camp’s application to reopen on March 31.
Eastland was uncertain when she learned about the campers' deaths, failing to remember if it was a day or several days later. Her father-in-law was also among the deceased.
When asked if she should formally report the deaths now that the camp's license is under review, Eastland responded hesitantly, I guess so. This admission adds a layer of complexity to the camp's impending license application process.
State health regulators are assessing the camp's application, which includes flood plain maps and a list of camp officials. However, the required safety plan remains out of public view. The Texas Rangers investigative unit is assisting with the ongoing reviews, alongside state lawmakers who are conducting their own investigations into the flood incident.
The camp's intended reopening this summer to accommodate nearly 900 girls has met with backlash from the families of the deceased. Specifically, the family of 8-year-old Cile Steward, who remains missing, initiated this week's hearing through their lawsuit. They argue that the camp should not be allowed to operate under the current leadership. Additionally, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has stated that no license should be granted until investigations are finalized.
Eastland's testimony followed in-depth questioning of her husband, Edward Eastland, who recounted the harrowing moments of the flood, detailing failed weather alerts and a frantic scramble to save campers as the water surged violently around the camp.
Eastland emotionally described his efforts to rescue two girls along with another who clung to his back as they were swept away by the raging waters. A genuine hero testified today, praised Mikal Watts, an attorney representing the Eastland family. He told a gripping story of saving lives in an unprecedented tsunami. I am proud to represent Edward Eastland and his family.
Mary Liz Eastland shared her experience of fleeing the family home amid rising waters and breaking a window to escape. Upon reaching higher ground at sunrise, she witnessed girls trapped in trees and began gathering survivors for a head count against cabin rosters.
However, under questioning, Eastland conceded that she had not attempted to reach the lower areas for evacuation early in the flood, citing the risk posed by the escalating water levels. She was challenged on why, as the chief medical officer, she didn’t make efforts to alert medical staff sooner.
Addressing Eastland's extensive tenure at Camp Mystic since 2002, Steward family attorney Christina Yarnell remarked, You knew the property. You knew the flood lines. You knew access points. These were first-year campers … Cile needed your help, and you abandoned her, didn’t you?\
To which Eastland solemnly responded, Yes.
