Midnight Flooding at Camp Mystic Leaves Families Seeking Justice
Just past midnight near the intersection of FM 1340 and Main Street in Hunt, the quiet of Central Texas was shattered by rising waters. It was July Fourth, and while most Austin-area residents were winding down holiday celebrations, families at Camp Mystic faced a nightmare unfolding under the cover of darkness. The Guadalupe River, swollen beyond historic levels, surged through the camp’s grounds, sweeping away 27 campers and counselors. Among them was 8-year-old Cile Steward, whose body has never been recovered.
Camp Mystic, nestled just outside the neighborhoods of Hunt and near the outskirts of the Austin metro area, became ground zero for one of the deadliest local disasters in recent memory. The tragedy has left the community grappling with loss and questions about how this could have happened—and whether it could happen again.
What Happened: The Flood and the Lawsuit
Cile Steward was attending her first summer at Camp Mystic when the flood struck. Her parents, Cici Williams Steward and Will Steward, have now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the camp’s owners, the Eastland family. The suit alleges the camp failed to implement a legally required evacuation plan and ignored multiple weather warnings from emergency management officials.
Warnings were issued days before the flood, with National Weather Service alerts on July 2 and July 3, and a flash flood warning for Kerr County at 1:14 a.m. on July Fourth. Despite these clear signals, Dick Eastland, one of the camp’s owners who later died attempting to evacuate campers, allegedly ignored the warnings and instead focused on moving canoes to higher ground while evacuation routes remained open.
The lawsuit reveals that the camp’s only emergency protocol was a brief seven-sentence paragraph instructing campers and counselors to shelter in place, based on the assumption they were on high ground. This plan did not include communication tools like walkie-talkies or battery-powered radios for counselors—only for the owners themselves. When floodwaters inundated the Twins II cabin where Cile was staying, she and other campers attempted to escape by breaking a window and floating on mattresses. Cile fell off and was swept away by the current.
The Stewards are seeking more than $1 million in damages and a temporary restraining order to prevent Camp Mystic from reopening until investigations conclude. The camp has announced plans to reopen a portion of the property that was not flooded, promising added safety measures, but the Stewards’ lawsuit challenges the adequacy of those steps.
Why This Matters Locally: The Risk Is Real and Immediate
For residents of Austin and nearby Central Texas communities, the events at Camp Mystic are a stark warning. Flooding along the Guadalupe River and surrounding creeks is not a distant threat—it’s a recurring hazard with deadly potential. Streets like FM 1340 and neighborhoods such as Hunt and the nearby Driftwood area are vulnerable to flash floods, especially during heavy rains or storms.
Ignoring flood warnings or failing to have an evacuation plan can lead to devastating consequences. Beyond the tragic loss of life, flooding disrupts daily commutes on roads like Ranch Road 12 and FM 1325, damages homes, and strains local emergency services. Families face sudden displacement, costly repairs, and long-term trauma.
Local schools, including those served by Dripping Springs Independent School District, and community institutions must recognize the urgency of preparedness. Delays or inadequate planning can cost lives and cause widespread chaos. The Camp Mystic tragedy shows that relying on minimal safety protocols is not enough.
If This Happens to You: Immediate Steps to Take
- 1. Monitor local weather alerts closely, especially from the National Weather Service and Travis County Emergency Management.
- 2. Know your neighborhood’s flood risk and identify safe evacuation routes ahead of time, including streets like FM 1826 and RM 967.
- 3. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials: water, food, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
- 4. If a flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately—do not wait for official evacuation orders if you are in a flood-prone area.
- 5. Avoid driving or walking through flooded roads; just six inches of moving water can sweep a person or car away.
- 6. Stay in contact with neighbors and local officials for updates and assistance.
- 7. After flooding, avoid returning home until authorities confirm it is safe.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
Flooding and its aftermath require more than just individual action. If your household is affected, you need to contact professional help immediately:
- Legal Assistance: If you suffer injury, loss, or property damage due to negligence—such as lack of evacuation plans or ignored warnings—you need to consult a local attorney experienced in wrongful death or personal injury cases. The Stewards’ lawsuit against Camp Mystic underscores the importance of holding parties accountable.
- Contractors and Repair Services: Flood damage to homes and infrastructure demands licensed contractors for water extraction, mold remediation, and structural repairs. Attempting DIY fixes without expertise can worsen damage and delay recovery.
- Planners and Safety Consultants: Neighborhoods and institutions should engage floodplain managers and emergency planning professionals to create or update evacuation routes and communication plans. This is crucial for schools and camps in flood-prone zones.
Local Context: The Flood Risk Is in Our Backyard
Camp Mystic sits along the Guadalupe River, a landmark many Austin-area residents know from weekend trips and outdoor activities. The surrounding neighborhoods of Hunt and Driftwood are within driving distance of Austin’s urban core, and many locals travel FM 1340, FM 1826, and Ranch Road 12 regularly. Floodwaters can disrupt these routes and endanger anyone caught unprepared.
The tragedy at Camp Mystic is a painful reminder that flood safety cannot be an afterthought. Whether you live near the river or commute through these corridors, understanding your flood risks and having a plan is essential. The loss of Cile Steward and the other 26 victims demands action—not just from camp owners or officials, but from every resident who calls Central Texas home.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
This tragedy unfolded at Camp Mystic, located near FM 1340 and the Guadalupe River in the small town of Hunt, just southwest of Austin’s city limits. The area borders neighborhoods such as Driftwood and the rural outskirts of Dripping Springs. Locals often pass through this corridor via FM 1826 and Ranch Road 12, especially those heading toward recreational spots along the river.
Nearby landmarks include the Guadalupe River itself and the state Capitol in Austin, where families like the Stewards and Clarke Baker testified in August about the failings that led to the disaster. Emergency management offices in Travis and Kerr Counties are responsible for warnings in this region, underscoring the importance of listening to their alerts.
Residents who live, work, or travel through these areas should take this warning seriously. Flooding here is not a remote possibility—it is a present danger that demands vigilance and preparation.
