Camp Mystic’s Communications Fails During Hill Country Floods, Investigator Testifies AUSTIN, Texas – Criminal Attorney Casey Garrett testified Monday that Camp Mystic’s emergency communication system failed during the deadly July 2025 Hill Country floods, describing the camp’s response as a “failure” that endangered campers. Garrett, appearing before the Senate General Investigating Committee, highlighted systemic shortcomings in the camp’s preparedness, including inadequate training for staff, outdated emergency protocols, and a culture that normalized flooding as a routine occurrence. The testimony marked the first public hearing into the disaster, which claimed the lives of several children and sparked calls for accountability. Garrett’s investigation revealed that the Eastland family, which owns Camp Mystic, was aware of the flood risks long before the July 4 floods. Emails presented during the hearing showed Dick Eastland, a former camp director, referencing historic floods in 1978, 1984, and 2000, suggesting the family had a documented history of dealing with water-related emergencies. Despite this, Garrett argued that the camp’s emergency plan did not meet state code requirements at the time of the disaster. The plan addressed disasters and accidents but failed to account for epidemics, fatalities, or evacuation procedures. Campers were instructed to stay in cabins during emergencies, but no clear evacuation protocols existed. One of the most critical failures, according to Garrett, was the lack of communication tools. Counselors and staff were told to rely on loudspeakers and walkie-talkies in case of power outages, but none of the counselors had access to these devices.#camp_mystic #casey_garrett #eastland_family #sen_jose_menendez #hill_country_floods
